BALLINGER — Loreta M. King, 85, of Ballinger, our loving and precious mama and grandmother, passed away peacefully, with grace and dignity, from this world into the arms of her beloved Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, Jan. 14, 2008, surrounded by her children at Sagecrest Alzheimer's Care Center in San Angelo. Loreta was born April 15, 1922 in Winters, Texas, to Oliver and Susie (Branham) Green. She graduated from Winters High School in 1940 and attended business college in Abilene. On July 9, 1941, in Paint Rock she married Lloyd G. King, who preceded her in death Oct. 19, 2007. They were married 66 years. She was a homemaker for many years, during which time she was an active member of the Blanton Baptist Church. Later, she joined the Seventh Street Baptist Church where she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School and was a leader with the GA's. Her love of God was shown through her compassion for others. She later showed this to so many she cared for, especially the newborn and elderly, that life led her to nursing. She was a caregiver for 20 years. She worked at Twilight Acres Nursing Home and for many years at Ballinger Memorial Hospital. Loreta's special joy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed teaching them about the many hobbies she loved, which included arrowhead/rock hunting, her knowledge of the star constellations, photography, flowers, the different types of birds and butterflies, fishing and traveling. She embraced her Cherokee heritage and loved all of God's creatures. Mrs. King is survived by two sons, Bob King and wife Ann of San Angelo and David King of Ballinger; three daughters, Betty Rice and Jan Dahlberg, both of Ballinger, and Shelia Nicholas and husband Daymon of Santa Anna; one brother, Walter Green of Abilene; sisters-in-law, Ora Green of Winters, Eva Green of San Antonio and Lurene King Watts of Ballinger; brothers-in-law, Bill King of San Angelo and Wayne King and wife Elaine of Ballinger. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and she also leaves behind her beloved dog and pal, Speck. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Ora Vialapando and Nelda Brittle; and brothers Oliver Green Jr. and Ed Green. Visitation for family and friends will be from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16, at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, in the Lange Funeral Home chapel with Pastor David Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Old Runnels Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons Justin, David and Don King, Bryan Ledbetter, Colter Dahlberg and Eric Rice. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Rob Ledbetter, Shaydee Dahlberg, Rebecca King, Shawna Tomes, and Jessica and LeeAnda Bennett.