Loretta Helen Mikeworth

Loretta Helen Mikeworth, 81, of Oblong, IL, passed away on March 1, 2025, at The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute, IN. She was born on May 21, 1943, in Palestine, IL, to Norris Norman Bailey and Caroline Underwood Crum Bailey, the oldest of six children. Loretta worked at Patterson's Grocery Store in Palestine and later at Robinson Transformer, but her true passion was horses—a love sparked by her father's own affinity for them. She met the love of her life, Bill Mikeworth, at a horse sale barn while sporting a broken leg. Bill always said he was lucky she couldn't run away! They married soon after, on September 16, 1966, and spent 54 years together.

Throughout their marriage, Loretta was not only a homemaker but also Bill's "gopher", always on call to fetch whatever he needed. It was a familiar refrain: "Loretta, I need this. Loretta, I need that." Whether helping with his appliance service calls, assisting with their business, or keeping things running at home, she was always by his side. Together, they enjoyed standardbred horse racing when their daughters were young and co-owned Mikeworth's Trade and Swap, a venture full of early mornings, late nights, and lifelong friendships. Bill liked to joke that if Loretta wasn't such a great cook, he would have sold or traded her off! She was always right by his side for all the crazy things they got into or that Bill would drag her into. Loretta also had a deep bond with her daughter, Sherri, who often embarked on spur-of-the-moment trips to Effingham for supper and shopping with her. She and Sherri also shared many quilting adventures across the states, filled with laughter and memories.

If you were looking for Loretta, you'd rarely find her inside. She loved being outdoors, tending to her beloved daylilies and irises. When she moved from the country to town, she made sure Sherri had plenty of work ahead of her, ensuring her new yard was filled with her favorite flowers. If, on the rare occasion, she was inside, it was either watching her soap operas or crocheting—a talent she lovingly shared with her granddaughter, Brook. Though she tried to teach Kelly, the lesson didn't quite stick—so instead, she completed Kelly's many "wild requests," putting her crochet skills to the test. She loved making and gifting handmade treasures, from dish scrubbies to scarves for her granddaughter Tonya and great-granddaughter Nova. Her creativity extended beyond crocheting. She enjoyed working with Sherri to make T-shirt quilts, memory bears, and any other project she had going on. Whether in the garden, the kitchen, or crafting, she poured love into everything she did.

Loretta was a longtime member of the Crawford County Home Extension and was also a member of Central United Methodist Church of Oblong and the Ina Mary Circle, a women's church group. After Bill passed away, she filled her Sundays by attending her church service and then joining Sherri at hers. Though our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace in knowing that she is now with her Savior, reunited with Bill, Sarah, and all those who have gone before her. The love she so freely gave will continue to bloom in the lives she touched, just like the flowers she so carefully tended. Until we see her again, her memory will remain a cherished part of us all.

She is survived by her daughter, Sherri (Dale) Shew; her son-in-law, Dennis Lindsay; her grandchildren, Tonya (Stuart) Cary, Brook (Daniel) Newell, Kelly Shew (fiancé Coby Schlobohm), Morgan Benton, and Brandy Benton (friend Christian Harrison); her great-grandchildren, Nova Cary, River Cary, and Sarah Harrison; and her great-grandpuppy, Cooper Schlobohm. She is also survived by her brothers Leon (Sandy) Bailey, Leonard Bailey (companion Klara Bannon), Donnie (Jean) Bailey, and James (Sherri) Bailey, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Mikeworth; her daughter, Sarah Lindsay; her granddaughter, Crystal Shew; her parents, Norris and Caroline Bailey; and her sister, Janet Pankonien.

A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7th, at Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, with a funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Robbie Nethery. The service will be live streamed at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream .

In gratitude for the wonderful care she received, memorial contributions may be made to "Hospice of the Wabash Valley" in Terre Haute, IN. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Loretta will be laid to rest in Oblong Cemetery beside her beloved Bill.