Loretta M. Matha

On August 1, 2026, Loretta Matha passed at her home following a brief return of cancer. In her final days she was surrounded by family, songs, love and laughter.

Loretta, a beloved daughter and sister, was born to Louie and Marie Depanfilis Morelli, she was preceded in death by her parents. Marcheta (Larry) Shrefler and her family survives. Although 11 years and 100 miles separated the sisters, their love and support of each other was always felt by both families.

Loretta graduated from Villa Maria College with a BS in Nursing in 1962. Her career began at Elk County General Hospital, but her true calling was the 30+ years she spent as the School Nurse at Ridgway School District. While there she received her Masters of Education. She poured her heart and soul into caring for multiple generations of Elementary students. She did this with kind words, love, respect and a bag of pink mints. Following her retirement Loretta spent several years enjoying her family, especially caring for some of her greatest joys, her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In the last few years of her life, she found a new passion working with The Elk County Historical Society. The wonderful team there became her fast friends, and all appointments had to be scheduled around Wednesdays to ensure she could be there.

On January 12, 1963, she married the love of her life, Richard Allen Matha and together they began to build their Family. They were married for 63 years at the time of her passing.

Loretta is survived by Richard, her 3 children; Lisa (Bill) Connelly, Amy Matha, and Christopher (Carrie) Matha. Her grandchildren; Carissa (Joe) Delhunty, Breezy (Paul) Villella, Shea (Adam) Brigger, Ryan (Chrystal) Connelly, Danny Connelly, Oliva (Joe) Matha, and Kelly Matha and her great grandchildren; Ricky (Mackenzie) Delhunty, Rocco Delhunty, Hayes and Lenna Brigger, Louie and Vinny Villella, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Loretta and Dick were a shining example to their family and everyone who knew them knew what true love and respect looked like. They faced all joy and sorrows as a team, united together with a bond that has always left their family feeling secure and loved.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Leo Magnus Church, 111 Depot Street, Ridgway, PA, 15853, with Fr. Justin Pino officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Elk County Historical Society, 109 Center St, Ridgway, PA 15853, The Ridgway Public Library, 329 Center St, Ridgway, PA 15853, or The Ridgway Ambulance, 301 N Broad St, Ridgway, PA 15853.

Krise Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 130 Center St., Ridgway, PA 15853, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.krisefuneralhome.com.