Loretta Joyce (Merchant) Leatherman, age 94, peacefully passed away on Tuesday,, October 21, 2025 in Bowie, Texas.
A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Monday, October 27, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Floydada with Pastor Mark Snowden officiating.
Arrangements were under the personal care of MooreRose Funeral Home in Floydada.
Loretta was born in Caldwell, Texas, on August 17, 1931 to Robert Edward Merchant and Ollie Mae Smith Merchant.
She married Clarence Edwin Leatherman on June 19, 1960 in Floydada, Texas.
Once her children were grown, she earned her CDL and joined C.E. in the family trucking business, enjoying many years of driving by his side.
Loretta also served as a “band mom” to a couple of generations of Floydada kids traveling to Friday night games and band trips and working the concession stand during home games. Many a brownie and chocolate chip cookie were made for the band during these years.
After retirement she enjoyed making quilts for her kids and grandkids. She also loved making lap wraps from donated material and trim that was then picked up by her Terminix man, Tim, who took them to a local women’s shelter.
Her biggest love was her goal of making 100 or more little dresses each year for the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboх ministry through her home church. These dresses were, also solely, made from donated material. Momma always said as long as the Good Lord continues to supply, she will continue to sew.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Charles and Barbara, and husband C.E.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, James Zgabay of Austin; Pat Warren and husband, Wiatt, of Wimberley; Michael Leatherman of Lubbock; and Tammy Malone and husband, Timmy, of Bowie; her grandchildren Anna McKim and husband, Wayne, of Carrollton; Mark Warren and wife, Robin, of Magnolia; Jonathan Zgabay and wife, Ruby, of Austin; Ashley Malone and Chris Oliver of Chickasha, Okla.; Taylor Malone and wife, Betza, of Bowie; Baleigh Leatherman of San Marcos and Braeden Leatherman of Fotrt Worth; great-grandchildren include Grace McKim of Lubbock, Ethan McKim of Carrollton, Macey and Bryn Warren of Magnolia, Ian and Liam Zgabay of Austin, and Cade and Owen Oliver of Chickasha, Okla.
Donations in Loretta’s name may be made to First Baptist Church of Floydada Operation Christmas Child Shoebox ministry.
Online condolences may be made at www. moore-rose.com