Loretta J. Ikemire

Loretta Janice Ikemire, 87, of Sandwich, Illinois, went home to be with Jesus on October 16, 2025.

Born on April 23, 1938, in Corning, Arkansas, to Daniel and Audrey (Mendenhall) Clement, Loretta graduated from Martinsville High School in Martinsville, Illinois. On June 2, 1956, she married the love of her life, Everett Lloyde “Ike” Ikemire, and together they built a beautiful life centered around faith, family, and love.

Over the years, Loretta worked for the Plano Police Department, Farmers Insurance, and spent many cherished years as a real estate agent in Sandwich. She took great joy in helping families find not just houses, but homes filled with love and laughter.

Loretta’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She delighted in every moment spent with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her kitchen was the heart of her home — a place filled with the aroma of delicious meals, the warmth of laughter, and the sweetness of her famous rhubarb desserts. Loretta had a remarkable gift for creating a feast from little, and for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and cherished.

She loved fiercely and unconditionally, leaving behind a piece of her beautiful spirit in everyone she met. Loretta was truly an angel among us — her kindness, strength, and gentle faith touched countless lives. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing she has been made whole again in the loving arms of Jesus.

Loretta was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Dan and Audrey; her brothers, Jerry and Fred; her sister and brother-in-law, Kona and John Morrill; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary and Bud Zachary; brother-in-law Andy Ellington; and her daughter-in-law, Patricia Ikemire.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, EverettLloyde “Ike” Ikemire; her children, Jeff (Tina) Ikemire of Sandwich, Jerry Ikemire of Somonauk, and Vicki Ikemire of Sandwich. Her legacy continues through her beloved grandchildren: Ashley (George) Benitez, Katie (Charles) Molleur, Erin (Cory) Tollefson, Kevin Ikemire, Charli (Brian) Fisher, Brody Ikemire, and Mackenzie Dobbs-Ikemire; her honorary granddaughter Abby (Callum) McCay; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Leah, Alesia, Mateo, Hazel, Penny, Myles, Iris, Everly, Bennett, Callaghan, Michael, and Adelynn.

She is also survived by her sisters Windy (Bob) Turner of Somonauk and Anita (Alvin) Finley of Paris, IL; her brother Terry (Vicki) Clement; and sisters-in-law Dorothy Hardway and June Ellington of Casey, IL; and her dearest lifelong friend, Barb Bright, who stood by her side through life’s every season with laughter, love, and faith.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday October 24, 2025, from 2pm until 4pm, at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry Street, Sandwich, Illinois, with a memorial service immediately following at 4pm. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be shared at www.beveragefamilyfh.com.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Pavilion on Mainfor their loving care over the past year, and to Megan, Jessica,and the entire team at Unity Hospice for their compassion, devotion, and kindness. Your care and support will never be forgotten.