Loretta Ruth Tullis

Loretta Ruth Tullis, a woman of grace, gentleness, and selfless love, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2023, in Dothan, Alabama. Born on August 28, 1939, in Griffithsville, West Virginia, Loretta was a beacon of warmth and kindness who touched the lives of all who knew her.

Loretta was the beloved daughter of the late Freeman and Joyce Goode. She was a loving sister, a caring wife, a devoted mother, and a doting grandmother. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly 30 years, Robert Neal Tullis, and their children, Robert Lee II and Mary Anne. Loretta's legacy lives on through her surviving family: her sons, Marcus (Melissa) Tullis and Stuart (Jessica) Tullis; her daughter, Amy (Stephen) Rylander; and her cherished grandchildren who know her as “Gramma ‘Retta”, Wyatt Vinson, Savannah (L.B.) Clement, Bella Vinson, Abbey Tullis, and Luke Tullis.

Raised on a farm, Loretta developed a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors early in life. This love manifested itself in her lifelong passion for gardening, which she shared with countless others during her tenure as the Kentucky Garden Club State President while residing in Ashland. Loretta's green thumb was matched only by her skill with a needle and thread. A talented quilter, she crafted beautiful works of art that will continue to provide warmth and comfort to her loved ones.

Before marrying her husband, Bob, in 1964, Loretta served her community by teaching in a one-room school house, then as a deputy sheriff, collecting taxes. After their wedding, she transitioned into the role of a full-time homemaker in Hamlin, West Virginia. In this role, Loretta created a home filled with love, laughter, and the tantalizing aroma of home-cooked meals. Her ability to transform any space into a welcoming haven was not limited to her own home. Loretta had a knack for refreshing furniture, breathing new life into old pieces, much like she did with the people and spaces around her.

Loretta's life was a testament to her loving, gentle, and selfless nature. She was a pillar of strength and a source of comfort for her family, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of many in her community. She was a student of the Scripture and a beloved asset at Honeysuckle Road Congregation. Loretta's kindness, her warm smile, and her unwavering love will be greatly missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved.

In her passing, we remember not just the loss, but the love and life of Loretta Ruth Tullis. A woman whose life was a tapestry of loving relationships, dedicated service, and shared passions. As we mourn her departure, we also celebrate her life, cherishing the memories and the enduring love she bestowed upon us. Rest in peace, dear Loretta. Your light continues to shine in our hearts.

Robert and Toni Byrd · Sunset Memorial Park

1700 Barrington Rd, Midland City AL · (334) 983-6604