Loretta Lee Surface, 88, passed away on September 13, 2023 in Holmes Regional Medical Center, Melbourne, FL. She was the wife of the late William Dale Surface whom they shared 53 years of marriage together.

Born in Loogootee, IL, she was the daughter of Emory and Dorothy Pontious. She was employed as a psychiatric nurse at St. Mary's Hospital in Decatur, IL for the majority of her long career as a registered nurse. She obtained her Master's degree at Sangamon State University in counseling in her early fifties and then conducted group counseling sessions in addition to nursing. After retiring, she and her husband moved to Snug Harbor Retirement Community in Micco, FL in 1997.

Loretta was very involved with her community during retirement, she volunteered as a guide at McKee Botanical Gardens, Vero Beach, FL, and at the Micco Library where she also served on the board as the secretary. She was a member of the community friendship group, and wrote a monthly medical column in the community newspaper. Loretta hosted many of the community ladies' luncheons. She enjoyed traveling and cruising. She was an avid reader because she loved to learn and never stopped, she was full of knowledge and information. She had an amazing gift for watercolor painting and created many beautiful paintings in retirement. She was known for her intelligence and knowledge and her sociable personality. She cared greatly for her family.

Loretta is survived by her son; Barry Surface, her daughter; Lara Foley, her siblings; Phillip Pontious Sr., Marshall Pontious, and Vicki Hutchison; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother; Louis Pontious.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Decatur, IL.