Loretta Lynn Bauer

Loretta Bauer, 64, of Crossville, Tennessee, died Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Cumberland Medical Center following a recent decline in health.

She was born on January 8, 1962 in Bucyrus, Ohio to the late Charles L. Williams Sr. and Juanita K. (Springer) Gatchell. Loretta was a 1980 graduate of Bucyrus High School and attended Ohio State University, where she met Thomas Edward Bauer. They shared a brief courtship and were married on September 17, 1983.

Loretta cared for her family as a homemaker and did her best to nurture, guide and protect those she loved. She was proud to have homeschooled her children, which helped to build a strong foundation as they grew. Loretta loved quilting and sewing and handcrafted many personalized pieces for her family and friends. She also spent a great deal of time tending to her plants.

In addition to Tom, her husband of 42 plus years, Loretta is survived by her children, whom were her greatest accomplishments, Lauren (Pastor Stephen) Lance, Danielle (Bill) Clark, Lance Bauer and Gretchen Bauer; grandchildren, Simone and Sophia Lance; siblings, Chuck (Terra) Williams Jr., Lyle Williams and Tina (Steve) Schimpf; several nieces and nephews; her aunt Neva (Pastor Dave) Greenick and her brother and sisters-in-law, Daniel (Christine) Bauer, Ruth LaPoint, Jean (Al) Demania, Lawrence (Nancy) Bauer and Ann (Joe) Feck.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Williams and Juanita Gatchell; grandmother, Winnie Edgington; brother, Greg Williams; aunt, Wilma Springer; father and mother-in-law, James T. and Josephine A. Bauer.

Calling hours for Loretta will be held from 4 – 7 pm on Friday, May 8 at Wise Funeral Service, 129 W. Warren St., Bucyrus, Ohio, where her funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday with her son-in-law, Pastor Stephen Lance officiating. Burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery.

If desired, donations may be made payable to a charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted through the funeral home. Memories and online expressions of sympathy are encouraged to be shared on her guestbook page at www.wisefuneral.com.