Loreta A Kehl ... Age 68

Visitation 6-8 PM Friday, January 12, 2018 at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
Service 10 AM Saturday, January 13, 2018 at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
Burial Mound Creek Cemetery
Memorials are to:  Prairie Paws or Osawatomie Food Pantry
may be sent c/o Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home
P.O. Box 430 Osawatomie, KS 66064

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Loreta Anne Kehl, age 68 of Parker, Kansas went to be with the Lord on January 5, 2018 surrounded by her family.

Loreta was born January 5, 1950 in Parsons, Kansas to Zephry Alfred and Lometa Maxine (Ogden) Cannon.  She graduated from Osawatomie High School in 1968.  She went on to receive her nursing degree from Neosho County Community College in 1987.

On May 18, 1973, Loreta married Larry Kehl.  They made their home in Parker for over 44 years.  Together they had five children Jimmie, Michael, Paula, Sloane and Doug.

Loreta spent all of her life working and serving others.  Her commitment to excellent patient care, her tireless work ethic, and her quick wit made her a beloved caretaker and co-worker.  Her employment years formed many relationships with long lasting friendships.  She started her career and love for caring for people at the Osawatomie State Hospital.  After leaving Osawatomie State Hospital she spent the rest of her nursing career working in various positions at Miami County Medical Center.    After retiring, her caregiving days were not over as she continued her career from home becoming known as Dr. Kehl and Dr. Gran to family and friends alike.

Loreta was a devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt and friend.  Her family was always her first priority, but her love for the less fortunate and abandoned, whether animal or human, was one of the things that evidenced the light which was her soul.  Loreta leaves a legacy behind in the lives of all she touched.  Especially her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren!  She made everyone she knew feel loved.  She loved getting together with her family.  She spent a lot of time gardening and especially loved her flowers.  She was never far from a book.

Loreta’s passion in life was leading those she loved to the Lord.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Parker.  She shared her love of the Lord with everyone and will leave a legacy for being the hands and feet of Jesus while here on this Earth.  She would give her last dime to help someone she loved blessing people.  Even as Loreta struggled with illness for her last years, she stayed a guiding force of laughter and love and remained steadfast in her love of the Lord, never fearing for her ultimate destination.  She had a backbone made of steel, but a heart made of velvet.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Jeannie Roy and brother Billy Cannon.

She is survived by Larry Kehl of the home, Jimmie Kehl of Lacygne, KS, Mike (Lisa) Kehl of Paola, KS, Paula (Wayne) Minckley of Lane, KS, Sloane Kehl-Gage of Overland Park, KS, Doug (Rachel) Kehl of Gardner, KS, 12 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  Her sisters Saundra Grover of Liberal, KS, and Melinda Putnam of Osawatomie, KS along with many nieces and nephews.