Loretta J. Nitz (92), of Independence, passed from this life on August 9th in the comfort of her home, following a lengthy illness. Visitation time will be held Thursday August 13th from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Potts Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 10:00am at Zion Lutheran Church in Independence, KS on Friday August 14th, 2026. Pastor Kevin Peterson of Zion Lutheran Church will be officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. Memorials are suggested in Loretta’s name to Zion Lutheran School or Harry Hynes Hospice.

Mrs. Nitz was born June 7th, 1934, in Independence, KS., to Earl H. Carpenter and Edna A. (Thompson) Carpenter. At age 7, she moved with her family to Steubenville, Ohio and New Cumberland, West Virginia, before settling in Weirton, W. VA. Loretta attended school from 3rd grade until graduation in 1952 from Weir High School. She also graduated from Steubenville Business College in Ohio in 1953. Loretta joined the U.S. Air Force in 1958 for a 3-year enlistment and received basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas, and technical training at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS., where she completed the ground radio operator course. She served at Fort Snelling AF Station in Minnesota at MARS radio station; as switchboard operator at Oklahoma City AF Station, and 328th Hospital at Richards-Gebaur AFB, then MARS radio net control before her honorable discharge with the rank of A/2c in 1961.

After her military discharge, Loretta settled in Independence and worked as the switchboard operator for Electra Mfg. Co., where she met Wayne C. Nitz. They were married May 16th, 1964, at Zion Lutheran Church, where she became a member.

Loretta is survived by Wayne, and two daughters, Marsha (Joe) Hein of Fall River, Kansas and Linda (Frank)McCabe of Independence. Surviving grand children are Ashley (David) Wilson of Independence, Haley Winebrenner (Kurry Wilson) of Independence, Jace McCabe of Independence, and Jaret McCabe of North Platte, NE. Additionally, Loretta was blessed 4 step-grand-children – Jill (J.P.) of Independence, Jennifer (Bill) Bunyard of Neodesha, KS., Jason Hein of Independence, and Jamie (David) Nelson of Independence. Great-grand children are Roxsi, Tavis, Gavin, Traye, and Elsie, as well as Madison, Karlee, Alexis, Abigale, Kyler, Audrey, Isabella, Brecklyn, Arayla, Emberlyn, Declan, Maddox, and Penelope. Loretta also has a brother, Donovan Carpenter who survives her in Florida.