Loretta Machir

Loretta Jean (Tanner) Machir, 88, affectionately known as “Funny Grandma”, went home to be with the Lord on September 8, 2023, at her daughter’s home in West Chester, Ohio, following a long battle with cancer.  She was formerly of Fostoria, Ohio. 

Loretta was born on August 12, 1935 in McCutchenville, Ohio to the late Earl and Marjorie (Heilman) Tanner.  She married the late John J. Machir on December 13, 1953.  Together they had three children, Dante (Sue) Machir of Findlay, Ohio, Karin (Chuck) Cramer of West Chester, Ohio, and Kris (Bruce) Kitchen of LaSalle, Michigan.  Loretta’s eight grandchildren are Jessica (Brent) Hathaway, Kate (Mark) Zunkiewicz, Rob (Ashley) Cramer, Allison (Buddy) Jackson, Mitchell (Katie) Machir, Ian (Carlie) Machir, Justine (John) Langton, and Jordon (Gayle) Kitchen. Her 19 grandchildren are Ava, Eli, Ila and Zane Hathaway, Luke Zunkiewicz, Riley, Charlie and Adeline Cramer, Claire Jackson, Elias and Piper Machir, Rue, Mia and Finn Machir, Jolene, Jocelyn and Josie Langton, and Everett and McKenna Kitchen.

She is survived by two sisters, Jan Snyder of McCutchenville, Ohio and Judy Seymour of Columbus, Ohio.  Loretta spent her winters for over 30 years in Bradenton, Florida, and was a member of The Church at Bradenton.  She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, who will miss her dearly.  She loved her friends in Florida and was an avid card player, passing on that love to her grandkids.  Loretta owned her own cake and candy business, and worked as a master floral designer at a shop in Fostoria.  She and John spent many hours over many years on Lake Erie camping, boating, fishing, and enjoying time with their family at the lake.

A private graveside service will be held in Fostoria, where she will be laid to rest in Fountain Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do something in her honor to be an encouragement to someone, as we honor her life.