Loretta Kay Mangum's Obituary
Our beloved Loretta Kay Mangum left this world on May 19, 2026. Born in Gunnison, Colorado on December 9, 1946, to Vernon and Wilma Johnson, Loretta lived a life full of love and devotion in everything she set her mind to - especially the family and friends whom she adored and cherished. Growing up in Gunnison, Loretta embraced a passion that would become her lifelong talent: home economics. After graduating from Gunnison High School in 1965, she attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, CO, studying there from 1965 to 1966.
Loretta’s greatest accomplishment was her family. It was her childhood dream to become a mother, a role that allowed her to instill the same deep love bestowed upon her as a child into the family she created. While in high school, Loretta discovered an amazing talent for making her own clothes, which she proudly wore. It was also during those years that she met the love of her life, Bryan LaVar Mangum. They were married on June 17, 1967, embarking on a beautiful, lifelong journey together. Bryan’s career afforded them the freedom to move to wonderful places, including South Dakota, Montana, Alaska, and Washington. Wherever she went, Loretta’s true artistry was her connection with people; she loved encouraging, building up, and touching the lives of everyone who graced her presence, making all feel accepted and valued.
Throughout her life, Loretta worked in various fields -including home daycare, insurance, hospice, and funeral services - but "Mom" was the title she loved the most. She dedicated over twelve years to Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington, where she worked alongside an incredible staff. She was a faithful member of the Church at Lakewood for about 34 years. It was there that she met her dearest friend, Pattii Painton, who helped bolster Loretta’s gift and love for Jesus. Together, they brought people closer through an array of women’s ministries, where Loretta could freely encourage others and share her one true love, the Lord Jesus Christ. Loretta and Bryan retired to Everson, Washington in 2021, where she beautifully continued her women’s ministry service, spreading love and kindness to everyone. Her loss will be deeply felt.
Loretta leaves behind her longtime love and husband, Bryan Mangum; her daughter and son-in-law, Rochelle and Morgan Simpson; her grandchildren, Raymond (Zoe) Simpson and Kayla (Jacob) Colburn, and Ahn (Jeff) Holmes; as well as her cherished great-grandchildren, Saieve “Sai”, Oliver, Tucker, and Clayton. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon “Si” and Wilma (Allen) Johnson.
Service will be held June 19, 2026, at 2:00pm at Sumas Advent Christian Church, COur beloved Loretta Kay Mangum left this world on May 19, 2026. Born in Gunnison, Colorado on December 9, 1946, to Vernon and Wilma Johnson, Loretta lived a life full of love and devotion in everything she set her mind to - especially the family and friends whom she adored and cherished. Growing up in Gunnison, Loretta embraced a passion that would become her lifelong talent: home economics. After graduating from Gunnison High School in 1965, she attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, CO, studying there from 1965 to 1966.
Loretta’s greatest accomplishment was her family. It was her childhood dream to become a mother, a role that allowed her to instill the same deep love bestowed upon her as a child into the family she created. While in high school, Loretta discovered an amazing talent for making her own clothes, which she proudly wore. It was also during those years that she met the love of her life, Bryan LaVar Mangum. They were married on June 17, 1967, embarking on a beautiful, lifelong journey together. Bryan’s career afforded them the freedom to move to wonderful places, including South Dakota, Montana, Alaska, and Washington. Wherever she went, Loretta’s true artistry was her connection with people; she loved encouraging, building up, and touching the lives of everyone who graced her presence, making all feel accepted and valued.
Throughout her life, Loretta worked in various fields -including home daycare, insurance, hospice, and funeral services - but "Mom" was the title she loved the most. She dedicated over twelve years to Mountain View Funeral Home in Lakewood, Washington, where she worked alongside an incredible staff. She was a faithful member of the Church at Lakewood for about 34 years. It was there that she met her dearest friend, Pattii Painton, who helped bolster Loretta’s gift and love for Jesus. Together, they brought people closer through an array of women’s ministries, where Loretta could freely encourage others and share her one true love, the Lord Jesus Christ. Loretta and Bryan retired to Everson, Washington in 2021, where she beautifully continued her women’s ministry service, spreading love and kindness to everyone. Her loss will be deeply felt.
Loretta leaves behind her longtime love and husband, Bryan Mangum; her daughter and son-in-law, Rochelle and Morgan Simpson; her grandchildren, Raymond (Zoe) Simpson and Kayla (Jacob) Colburn, and Ahn (Jeff) Holmes; as well as her cherished great-grandchildren, Saieve “Sai”, Oliver, Tucker, and Clayton. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon “Si” and Wilma (Allen) Johnson.
Service will be held June 19, 2026, at 2:00pm at Sumas Advent Christian Church, 125 Front St, Sumas, WA 98295.
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