07/01/2025
Loretta Kay (Myers) Kemp, 76, passed away peacefully in her daughter’s arms on May 30, 2025, in Hospice Care at UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital in Waterloo, IA.
Loretta Kay Myers was born on April 30, 1949, in Brainerd, MN where her parents owned a resort. Loretta was the second of four children of Hilbert & Florence Myers. The family settled in Hudson, IA where Loretta grew up and graduated from Hudson High School in 1967 before attending Hawkeye Tech/Community College, graduating with a degree in Interior Design.
On May 26, 1978, Loretta married Jon Roger Kemp, the couple who lived in Shell Rock, IA eventually becoming the loving parents to daughter Emily. In 1981 the couple moved to and opened up the Vac Shack & Sewing Center in Charles City where they worked side by side until their divorce in 1993. Loretta eventually moved to Waterloo where she attended Hawkeye Community College and graduated with a business degree in 1997. In 2002 Loretta returned to Charles City to be closer to her grandchildren and worked again with Roger & Emily at the Vac Shack until its closure in 2018.
Loretta started dating Howard Ammons in 2006 until 2018 when she relocated to Lake View with Emily, they still talked almost every day up until her passing.
One of Loretta’s other true loves in life was fishing, always saying, “I was born in Minnesota, it’s in my blood”. She loved telling stories about fishing trips growing up and looked forward to the annual fishing trips the family would still take. In 2024 her older brother Dennis moved back to Iowa after 40 years; this was especially meaningful to her because he was able to go on one of those famous family fishing trips.
Loretta was an adventurous free spirit, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path. While our hearts mourn the loss, we take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering, she will be forever missed.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Hilbert & Florence Myers. To carry forth her legacy of love and compassion. Loretta left behind a daughter, Emily (Jeff) Meyer of Lake View, IA, she will be forever cherished and remembered by her three grandchildren, Alexander Riley (Lauren Willson) of Waverly, IA, Megan Meyer of Lake View, IA and Matthew Meyer of Waterloo, IA. Her memory lives with her two brothers, Dennis Myers of Dumont, IA; Joel (Vicki) Myers of Hudson, IA; a sister Julie (Marty) Evans of Dumont, IA. She also leaves behind special friend Howard Ammons of Osage, IA and a host of nephews, nieces and their families who adored her dearly.
There is going to be a Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Loretta Kemp. Anybody who new her knows she always loved a party so the family invites you to join them on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 3 – 5 p.m. to share stories and enjoy some refreshments and appetizers, at the Hickory Hills Park, Archers Shelter, 3338 Hickory Hills Rd, La Porte City, Iowa, 50651. The family has chosen to have a private graveside burial at a special time.
