Loretta Jean (Miller) Maddox
Nov. 10, 1945 – July 6, 2026
Loretta Jean (Miller) Maddox passed away on July 6, 2026, at the Pavilion of Ottawa, Ottawa, II
Born November 10, 1945, in Greenup, IL to Leo and Freda (Mitchell) Miller. She married Earl Loren Yingst March 30, 1961, and had five children (Sebastian, Earl Loren Jr, Lonnie, Kevin, and Lori) prior to their divorce in 1979. Later she married Larry Patterson and John Maddox.
Loretta married young and earned her GED, cosmetology license, and was working on nursing coursework at Lincoln Trail College when she was hired at Central Illinois Power’s Newton station. Later in life, Loretta worked for Addus Homecare where she enjoyed helping others.
Loretta never met a stranger, and she would strike up a conversation with anyone she met and consider them a new friend. When someone was in need she was there to help. Loretta was passionate towards her family, music, dancing and playing cards. Her shrills of laughter and smile could light up a room while dancing the night away at live music gatherings or when she had a good hand playing cards. You could always hear her cheering at sporting events for her family. You never had to guess where mom/grandma was sitting.
Having family near, whether immediate or extended, was a priority for Loretta. She would drive all over southern Illinois to visit with distant relatives or attend reunions. Her homemade beef and noodle recipe was a staple at family gatherings and has never been mastered by another.
Loretta is survived by her children, Lonnie (Nicole) Yingst (Geneva, IL), Kevin Yingst (Centralia, IL), Lori (Steve) Johnson (Ottawa, IL), as well as her grandchildren, Misty (Maxey) Tracey, Amanda (Ronnie) Harrington Robbie Yingst, Mark Yingst, Anna Yingst, Jack Yingst, Sam Yingst, Bergen Johnson, and Marta Johnson. Loretta also leaves behind one sister, Donna Adams (Oblong, IL), great-grandchildren Gunnar Shidler, Colten Shidler, Cash Shidler, Charlotte Yingst and Victoria Yingst as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, infant son Sebastian David Yingst, son Earl Loren Yingst, Jr, and siblings James Hammond, Hazel Koester, Rose Mary Garrard, Norma Maxey, Ralph Miller, Mary Tracy, Alma Keys, Robert Miller, Raymond Miller, and Ella Ruth Logan.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Tuesday July 14, 2026, at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, IL, with Pastor Chris DeWitt officiating. Interment will immediately follow in the New Robinson Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 1:00 pm at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, IL
Memorial gifts in honor of Loretta may be made to Warren G. Murray Developmental Center, 1535 W. McCord St., Centralia, IL 62801 or Vitas Healthcare (Hospice), 1040th St. Peru, IL 61354,
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