Loretta L. Higgins, 90, of Robinson, IL., peacefully passed away on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2026 in the comfort of her home.
Loretta was born on December 8th, 1935 in Palestine, IL. And was the beloved daughter of Leo Lingafelter and Leona (Reynolds) Lingafelter-Smith. She was raised by her mother and step-father Harold A. Smith of Robinson, IL along with her younger sister Patricia Shelby of Robinson, IL.
Loretta in youth called many places home but ultimately returned to Crawford County with her parents to Flat Rock, IL, where she graduated from Robinson High School in 1954.
A year later, Loretta married the love of her life for 61 years, Bobby “Bob” B. Higgins. Where they shared a devoted life of love, family, and commitment that would see them across the country and abroad with Bob’s dutiful service in the United States Air Force while she was a loving homemaker to Bob and their three sons: Doug, Mark, and Bruce.
Loretta’s Christian faith was central to her life. She was a member of the Robinson Church of Christ and served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher. She also helped set up Bible programs for Sunday School, sharing the Word of God with the young and helping plant seeds of faith in many hearts. Her service in the church was not done for recognition, but out of love for the Lord and a sincere desire to bless others. Her life reflected the words of Scripture, and she walked in the comfort of God’s promises with quiet confidence.
Loretta was also a founding member of the Illini Prairie Quilters Guild and was an avid quilter. Finding joy in creating with her hands and in the fellowship of those who shared her interest. Her quilts, like her life, were made with patience, care, and love. She had a gift for turning simple things into treasures, and those who received her kindness will long remember her gentle spirit and warm heart.
Loretta is preceded in death by her father, Leo Lingafelter, her mother and step-father, Harold and Leona Smith, her husband, Bobby “Bob” Higgins, eldest son Douglas “Doug” Higgins, and brother-in-law, Harold Shelby. She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Betty Higgins; Bruce and Cindy Higgins. Sister, Patricia Shelby. Grandchildren, Matthew Higgins, Ronnie Higgins, Tina (Jason) Tiller, and Bobbi Jo Higgins. Great grandchildren, Logan (Chance) Tuttle, Kolton Wirey, Memphis Higgins, and Emily Higgins. Great-great grandchildren, Grey and Ella Tuttle.
“I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck…”
On Saturday April 25th, 2026, at 2:00 pm, Loretta’s family will celebrate her life with a funeral service in the chapel of Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, with Pastor Raymond
Warfel Sr. officiating. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of the funeral service at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery in rural Palestine, IL.
The family would like to express their deep gratitude for the care and compassion shown by the Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice Nurses and staff for the countless hours of loving care provided to Loretta in the past months. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those wishing to give a memorial donation in Loretta’s memory, they be directed to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice, 1004 Health Center Drive Ste. 200, Mattoon, IL 61938, with envelopes available at the funeral home for their extraordinary care and devotion.
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