Loretta M. Deering, a lifelong resident of Des Moines, passed away on September 4, 2011, surrounded by loved ones. For over 44 years, Loretta worked in human services mentoring, educating and assisting individuals to obtain their basic needs in their day-to-day lives. Loretta began her career in the 60's working as the Chesterfield Center Director of the Greater Opportunities program where she developed and led numerous community-based educational and recreational programs for youth and adults. Loretta then went on to be the Assistant Director at the Polk County Senior Citizen Center where she supported programs to assist senior adults in maintaining independent living and personal growth. Loretta next worked as a Consultant for Minority Women at Drake University's Community Career Planning Center for Women. In 1979, Loretta became a Service Area Coordinator for the City of Des Moines Department of Community Services. During her tenure with the City she managed 3 different site offices, supported the Citizen Service Task Force Board and Police Athletic League, designed and developed numerous community programs and co-founded Help All Children Be Proud (HACP) - a readiness and enrichment educational program for children ages 4 to 7. She also received her degree in education from Drake University.

Loretta was preceded in death by her father, Loren L. Deering, Sr., her mother, Blanche M. (Watkins) Deering, and three brothers, Loren L. Deering, Jr., Paul J. Deering, and Kenneth E. Deering, Sr.. Loretta is survived by her daughter, Daniel'la P. Deering (Jermaine Marshall), her grandson, McKelary F. Robertson, three nieces, Denise L. Deering (Tim Talley), Shelley Flowers-Smith (Caprice) and Tara Deering Hansen (Bruce), two nephews Loren L. Deering, III, and Kenneth E. Deering, Jr., two uncles, Nimrod Deering and Andrew Deering, three aunts, Joy Williams, Helen Hooper, Maxine Watkins and a host of beloved relatives and friends. 

Memorial Mass at Visitation Catholic Church, Interment to follow at Glendale Cemetery.