Loretta Tolliver

Loretta Jean Tolliver the daughter of Albert and Hazel (Hummingbird) Springwater was born September 6, 1940 in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and departed this life on May 9, 2017 in Welling, Oklahoma at the age of 76 years, 8 months and 3 days.

Loretta loved the Lord with her whole heart and had an unwavering faith in God. Her greatest joy was going to church and spending time with her family. She was also a talented singer and passed her love of singing and music onto her children and grandchildren. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of nurturing love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her walk with Christ and devout faith will never be forgotten.

Loretta was a career teacher for twenty two years. She received her Masters of Education from Northeastern State University August 1, 1998. Loretta was also a Reading Specialist and a lifelong learner. During her tenure as an educator she genuinely loved teaching young children and watching them learn, grow, and develop. It was obvious that teaching was her passion! She was an educational leader that had the ability to communicate a child's worth and potential so clearly that they were inspired to see it in themselves!

Loretta was also a consummate mother and homemaker. She would often retell the story of how she met the love of her life Bob Tolliver and after his passing she never dated or remarried. She would always say that she only had one love in her lifetime and he was waiting for her in Heaven. Bob and Loretta raised five children in a loving Christian home. They instilled the importance of putting Christ first in your life. Loretta was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for her family and friends. She had become famous for her chicken and dumplin's, and homemade pies. Loretta was mom to not only her 5 children but to anyone who wanted to claim her as Ma. Her children and grandchildren brought her the greatest joy and meant the world to her.

Loretta has fought a good fight, and kept the faith, and finished her course. She has received her crown of righteousness. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents that raised her Levi and Polly Springwater; her husband Bobby Tolliver Sr.; her sister Ginger Kay Springwater and her brother Albert Springwater.

She is survived by a loving family which includes her children Jeannie Wallace and husband John of Welling, Lenora Hobbs and husband Ricky of Welling, Bobby Tolliver Jr. and wife Amy of Ringling, Tami Woods and husband Vol David of Welling, Jonathan Tolliver and wife Doni of Ringling. She is also survived by her brothers Dennis Springwater and wife Linda of Park Hill, and Raymond Springwater of Yukon; her sisters Roberta Gibson of Okmulgee and Polly Teehee and husband Amos of Claremore; 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive her.

The family would like to say a special Thank You to Carter Hospice- Cassie Knori-Baker, Lindsey Dillard, Tara Atchison, Misty Scott and Betty Compton.

Visitation

Hart Funeral Home
1506 N. Grand Ave
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Thursday, May 11, 2017
1:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Service

Hart Funeral Home Chapel
1506 N. Grand Ave
Tahlequah, OK  74464
Friday, May 12, 2017
1:00 PM

Cemetery

Church of the Lord Jesus Christ
Welling, OK