November 18, 1943 – April 26, 2026
Loretta Faye Brooks, age 82, of Newton, Illinois, passed away at 3:45 PM on Sunday, April 26, at Helia Health Care in Newton, Illinois.
Funeral services celebrating Loretta’s life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at the Central Christian Church in Newton, Illinois, with Gary Hall and Mike Knepper officiating. The burial will be in the Aten Cemetery in Hidalgo, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held 2 hours before the service from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the church. In loving memory of Loretta, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois 62448. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Loretta Faye was born on November 18, 1943, in Gila, Illinois, the daughter of Helen Grace Groves. She was united in marriage to Leroy Ky Brooks on August 29, 1959, and he preceded her in death on February 28, 2026.
Loretta was a member of the Central Christian Church in Newton, Illinois. She enjoyed spending time reading and going to thrift stores. Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren.
Loretta is survived by:
Children – Tanya Geisler of Assumption, Illinois; Gregory (Sheila) Brooks of Newton, Illinois; and Tracy (Russell) Rennier of Olney, Illinois
Grandchildren – Dustin (Erika) Brooks of Newton, Illinois; Douglas (Ariel) Brooks of Saint Louis, Missouri; Travis (Milly) Gullett of Tampa, Florida; Trevor Gullett of Neoga, Illinois; Courtney Rennier of Olney, Illinois; Alyssa (Ethan) Rapp of Olney, Illinois
Great Grandchildren – Harper Brooks, Emory Brooks, Emerson Brooks, Addison Rennier, Everleigh Rennier, Tatym Saunders, Kaiston Cansino, and Krue Rapp
Sisters – Donna Jean (Marty) Smith of Jewett, Illinois
Brother – Stan (Sandi) Vanatta of Russell Springs, Kentucky
Step-sister- Vicki Zink of Casey, Illinois
Sisters-in law – Donna Gentry of Neoga, Illinois and Juanita Brooks of Cobden, Illinois
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents Helen and Victor Vanatta, husband Leroy, and brothers-in-law Lester Brooks and Bob Gentry.
