Obituary of Loretta Gilkey

GILKEY Loretta, 104, Florida, went to be with her Lord March 30, 2015, in Clearwater, Fla., surrounded by her loving family. Originally from Jackson Township, Loretta was born in Johnstown and was a snowbird in Clearwater since 1985, after the passing of her beloved husband, Ira. Loretta had recently moved full time to Clearwater, residing with her daughter, Carol Lacey. Loretta loved to dine out at restaurants with her loving family and friends. An avid Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins and Pirates fan, she also enjoyed many hobbies, including bowling, golf and lawn bowling. She was an avid deer hunter in DuBois, for many years, and also took great pride in her vegetable and flower gardens. In 1956, Loretta and her husband, Ira, started Gilkey Pools, which is still a family business and run by her son, Jerry, and grandson, Kevin. Because of this, she touched the lives of many people. A strong woman who loved the Lord, she will always be remembered and treasured by those she left. Loretta is predeceased by her husband, Ira Gilkey; her son, Clyde Gilkey; her grandson, Ira Gilkey; and her parents. She is survived by two sons, Edward Gilkey and Gerard Gilkey, both of Johnstown; daughter, Carole Lacey, Clearwater, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Ed Gilkey Jr., Robin Binion, Jennifer Coplea, Kim Querry, Karen Mattis, Kevin Gilkey, Keith Gilkey, Patti McGuire and Ira Gilkey; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly. Loretta was the last survivor of the Dill family. A celebration of Loretta s life will be held at a later date. Service time and date will be announced.