Loretta Conway

Loretta Rae Conway, 87, long-time resident of the Wishkah Valley, passed away

peacefully surrounded by family on Monday evening, January 22, 2024, at her home.

Loretta was born on September 24, 1936, in Aberdeen, WA to Warren and Clara

(White) Busz. She spent most of her childhood years in the Wishkah Valley, but

completed her last two years of high school in Eatonville, WA, graduating from

Eatonville High School.

After high school, Loretta returned to Aberdeen, and on March 10, 1956, she married

her devoted husband, Lorn R. Conway. Lorn and Loretta made Wishkah Valley their

home. There they raised three children and enjoyed being close to numerous friends

and family.

Loretta worked in the kitchen as a cook at the Wishkah Valley School for 35 years and

is still remembered by many for her wonderful homemade lunches. Following her

retirement from the school, Loretta took a position at the Grays Harbor County Jail,

where she prepared meals and supervised operations in the kitchen, a role she truly

enjoyed. She retired from that position after 20 years. In 2017, Loretta was appointed to

the Wishkah Valley School Board, serving for several years.

While working at the school, Loretta refereed basketball and volleyball games

throughout the region as a WIAA official, in addition to coaching Loggerettes' volleyball.

She was an active member of the Wishkah Valley School Booster Club and an avid

supporter of the school’s athletes, often traveling with her husband to tournaments long

after her own children had graduated. She was so dedicated to Loggers’ sports that

Lorn and Loretta were presented with what her family calls the Golden Goal Society

Pass, which allowed them to attend high school sporting events across the state.

Loretta had the gift of hospitality and welcomed everyone into her home. All who

stopped by could expect a hot cup of coffee, freshly baked cookies, and lively

conversation. Besides being an incredible hostess, she enjoyed reading, was an

extraordinary cook, and loved being with her grandkids. Mostly, Loretta loved the Lord.

She was an active member of the United Christian Church of Aberdeen, where she was

blessed with many treasured friendships.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Daniel Busz.

Loretta is survived by her husband of 68 years, Lorn Conway of Wishkah Valley.

Together they had two sons, Rick (Michele) Conway of Hummelstown, PA and Clay

(Stacy) Conway of Olympia, WA, and a daughter, Heidi Bomhoff of Wishkah Valley. She

is also survived by a brother, David Busz of Wishkah Valley and a sister Darlene Akers

of Montesano; her grandchildren, Alicia (Dave) Spelfogel, Grace (Michael) Reynoldson,

Brett Conway, Laura Conway, Kailyn (Josh) Allwine, Nolan (Alisa) Gibson, Erica

Bomhoff, Cooper Bomhoff and Colton Bomhoff; and 11 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of Loretta’s life held at the Aberdeen United Christian Church

on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 1:00PM. If you cannot make the service, there will be

time from 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM to visit with the family to share your memories and

condolences. A dessert and beverage reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. A

private burial will take place at a later date.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in

Aberdeen, WA. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Loretta Conway, please visit our flower store.