Evelyn Loretta Martinelli, 74, of Katy, Texas, died on Friday, July 15, 2022, at her home. She was born on Sept. 29, 1947, in Carlinville, Ill., the daughter of the late Evan Lee and Marilyn (Miller) Lee, and was raised in Chesterfield, Ill. She married Robert Angelo Martinelli on May 25, 1968, in Staunton, Ill., and they lived in Alton, Ill., until moving to Texas in 1986.

Loretta made an impact on so many people. She was always there for her family no matter the personal cost to herself and was considered the matriarch. She loved her family and friends, and filled her home with warmth and kindness.

Her life was dedicated to her children and giving to other children. She worked in the school district as the Cafeteria Manager for Pattison Elementary up until her retirement. She loved spending time going to her grandchildren's events like baseball games, plays, and dance recitals. She also was very involved in her church, New Hope Presbyterian, and dedicated many hours to making it possible for children in need to have a wonderful Christmas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and best friend, Dianne Self.

Loretta is survived by her husband Robert Martinelli; son Aaron Martinelli (wife Lori Martinelli); daughter Denise Lucas (boyfriend Marcus Berndt), son Ryan Martinelli (wife Jenny Martinelli); and her grandchildren, Taylor Lucas (wife Breanna Lucas), Brian Counce, Clayton Lucas, Shane Garcia, Emily Martinelli and Rynn Martinelli; brother Robert Lee and his wife Deborah Lee and their children Amanda Lee, Robert Lee, Brittney Stickney, Grant Stickney, Kyle Stickney; and sister-in-law, Carol Borgic (best friend and sister to Loretta) and her husband Tom Borgic and their children Tony Borgic, Angie Clark and Quentina Borgic, and many other family and friends.

The family requests rather than sending flowers or plants that donations are made in Loretta's name to any Butterfly House of your choice.

Loretta wished for her family and friends to celebrate her life in their own way, so there are no services planned.