Loretta H. Neir (Holmes), age 91, a.k.a. the "cookie lady" passed away on January 24th, 2013, at Custer Regional Senior Care in Custer, SD, where she has resided since October of 2012.

Loretta was born to Patrick and Margaret Holmes on September 7, 1921, in South Bend, Indiana. From there, her family moved to the north side of Chicago. In her early twenties, Loretta met her husband-to-be, Leonard Neir whom she married on August 14, 1942. As a newlywed, she traveled across the country with her husband Leonard, her sister Eleanor, and her brother-in-law Milo Banakis to settle in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. There, Loretta worked in a glove factory to support the war effort, while Leonard worked in the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, WA. After the war, the foursome returned to Illinois and the young couple built their home in Elmhurst, IL and started their family. Their only son Thomas L. Neir was born in 1949.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband Leonard on October 22, 1955. At that time, Loretta's sister Phyllis Holmes moved in with Loretta to help raise Tommy. Soon after, Loretta began her career with the Keebler Company. It was during her employment at Keebler that her family and friends affectionately dubbed her the "cookie lady."

Throughout her life, Loretta was an active member of the St. Domitilla Parish of Hillside, IL. Loretta was a member and volunteer at the Custer Senior Center. She also supported numerous charitable organizations such as The American Legion, Boys Town, Disabled Vets, and The Red Cross.

In 1986, Loretta retired, took a trip to Hawaii, and began enjoying her granddaughters, Gillian and Jaime full-time. Grandma Loretta, along with her sister Aunt Phil, took the two of them on countless adventures throughout Chicago creating lasting memories for the four of them.

In 2005, Loretta moved to Custer, SD, to live with her son Thomas and daughter-in-law Kathy.
Loretta is survived by her son Thomas L. Neir and daughter-in-law Kathy J. Neir; her granddaughters, Gillian Behling (Michael) and Jaime Neir (Nathan Bauer) and her great grandsons, Zach, Alec, and Liam Behling. She is also survived by her eight loving nieces and nephews. Loretta was also a great aunt to nineteen great nieces and nephews.

Loretta was a "mom" to many and a friend to all. We will miss her sense of humor, her kind hearted generosity, her strength, and her love of family.

A memorial service will be held at McColley's Chapel of the hills in Custer at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, January 31, 2013 with Fr. Tim Hoag officiating.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.