Loretta Rae Foust

Loretta Rae Foust, a woman of exceptional strength, faith, and creativity, passed away on August 31, 2023, in Robinson, IL. She was born on March 24, 1933, in Sumner, IL, the daughter of Ralph & Lola (Hill) Waggoner. While much of her formative years were spent in Lawrence County, her family moved from Lawrence County to Crawford County in 1948. Here, she graduated from Robinson High School in 1950, creating a foundation for what would become a long, fulfilling life in the community. She spent much of the following years working hard to raise and tend to the needs of her four daughters. In addition to her work at home, she also found employment at L.S. Heath & Sons, working in the office there until retiring after many years of service.

After her retirement, Loretta diversified her life with a variety of interests. She held a deep fondness for quilting, producing heartfelt and handmade works each winter. Loretta's creativity also led her to refurbish old furniture, giving them new life and charm. She adored gardening and took pleasure in maintaining her lawn meticulously, a testament to her hard work and resolve. Her love for dogs was profound, with her last pup, Drakey, providing her with companionship and joy.

Beyond her personal life, Loretta was a committed member of the community, shown through her 20-year tenure as a "Pink Lady" volunteer at the Crawford Memorial Hospital. Loretta was also a stalwart member of the Crawford County Republican Women group. A faithful member of the Highland Avenue Baptist Church since 1998, she dedicated herself to attending Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night services. Because of her faith in Jesus, we know that her passing serves not as a period marking the end but as a semicolon that signals a pause before her story continues into eternity.

She married Donald Foust on April 30, 1971, and he preceded her in death on August 30, 1992. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Ralph Waggoner & Lola (Hill) Waggoner, and by her brothers, Wayne Waggoner and Darrell "Red" Waggoner.

She is survived by her four daughters, Marianne Lackey (Boynton Beach, FL), Jan Lackey (Craig, CO), Connie Rone (Benton, IL), and Cindy Schafer (Buffalo, MO); her grandchildren, Erica Marxmann, Eric Johnson, Jason Johnson, Luke Johnson, and Levi Schafer; by seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; her brother & sister-in-law, Larry & Kaye Waggoner (Robinson, IL); her sister, Karen Waggoner (Robinson, IL); her sisters-in-law, Jackie Waggoner, Reta Waggoner, and Peggy Waggoner; and by several nieces and nephews.

It was Loretta's wish to be cremated, and a private committal will be held at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery at a later date. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements. In her memory, memorials may be made to either her family of faith at "Highland Avenue Baptist Church" or to "Paws for Prevention", a local program that helps offset the cost of spaying/neutering cats and dogs. Memorial envelopes are available at the funeral home.