(Mary) Loretta Zuther, age 95, of Portage, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 6th. Her daughter Mary Ellen & the resident nursing home cat (Oakley) whom she loved dearly were by her side.

Loretta was born on August 19, 1929, in Portage, the daughter of Charles Edward and Elizabeth (Devine) Dalton. She grew up on the family farm bordering Dates Mill Pond in Marcellon township. She graduated from Portage High School in 1947. After high school Loretta obtained her Professional Nursing Degree at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. After obtaining her nursing degree Loretta, along with friends, traveled to California where she obtained her California nursing license in 1951. Loretta worked as a nurse at Huntington Memorial Hospital, Pasadena, California. Loretta later returned to Portage due to health issues in her family and worked as a nurse at Divine Savior Hospital. It is while working as a nurse that Loretta contracted "polio", that would affect and challenge Loretta with "post polio syndrome" for the rest of her life. Loretta met Donald Zuther and they were married on August 14, 1967, at Durward's Glen, Portage. Loretta and Don were blessed with twin daughters on November 21, 1968.

Loretta spent her adult life caring for those in her family and "extended" family. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Portage, pro-life supporter and remained active with her "post-polio" family and acquaintances. Loretta kept in touch via phone, visits and letters with friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Even after becoming a resident at Columbia Health Care Center, Loretta continued her "nursing" caring spirit in looking after her fellow friends and residents on her wing.

Loretta was proceeded in death by her parents, Charles & Elizabeth Dalton; husband, Donald (in 2016); siblings Joseph Dalton, Richard (and his wife Patricia) Dalton and Margaret Mary (Dalton) Irwin; in-laws Helen & Joe Dyrcz; Duscan "Duke" and Iline "Toots" Budimlija"; Marlin "Zip" & Carol Zuther; two nephews and one niece. Lifelong friends, Lorraine Hahn & Margaret LaFleur.

Loretta is survived by her daughters Michelle (Tim) Sutfin, Mary Ellen Zuther, and grandson Kyle Sutfin. She is further survived by her wonderful sister-in-law Barb Dalton, Portage; and a special nephew, Tom Dalton. Also, many friends, nieces and nephews. Last of all her special friend Margie Radmann.

Special thanks to Loretta's friends and all the workers at the Columbia Health Care Center; the people at National Seating and Mobility who kept her "mobile" for many years; friends Jeff & Kim Lange, Virginia Eggleston, Barb Hill, Rob & Jane and Jane's grandchildren – Hailey, Alexa, Miles, Cameron & Jaycen for all the joy they brought to Loretta with cards, colored pictures and gifts; also, the caring people in the "From the Heart Group" who showered Loretta with cards.

Friends and relatives may call on Friday, February 14, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church (St. Faustina Parish), Pardeeville, Wisconsin from 9:00-11:00 a.m. ahead of the service at 11. Father Sanctus Ibe will preside. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Portage. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Free Clinic in Portage or the Columbia Health Care Center Pet Fund (for Oakley the cat).