Loretta Ellen Getter was born on November 27th, 1919, in Bainbridge, New York, the only daughter of Ralph and Ina (Pratt) Getter. She married Allen Harman (who is deceased) after they graduated from High School, and they had three children; Dawn Ellen who died at birth, James who died in a tragic drowning accident while fishing at age 29, and Carolyn who lives in Colorado Springs with her husband Ronald Henrikson. Loretta later married John Howland and they lived on his farm in Walton, NY, in Unadilla (NY), Fort Worth (TX) and Dothan (AL). Loretta was a Florist (owner and floral designer of the "Ivy Flower Shop") for 20 years in Walton, NY, before selling the business when She and John moved to Unadilla. Needing a new challenge and to fulfill a longtime desire, Loretta returned to school in her late 50's and completed 1000 hours at cosmetology college, qualified and earned her NYS License and opened her own Beauty Shop on Covered Bridge Road in Unadilla NY. After retiring again she and John moved to Fort Worth Texas, then to Dothan Alabama where John died in 1994.

Loretta moved to Colorado Springs in September 1999 to be near Carolyn and Ronald, where she was an active member of the Sunridge Retirement Community. She delighted in watching her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren grow and was always ready to attend a dance recital, an outing at "Chuckie Cheeses", a retirement picnic in a park, a birthday party at "Gymboree", or family holiday celebrations.

Loretta passed away suddenly on August 26th 2005.

A Memorial service was held in Colorado at Sunridge on the 29th of August. Now a Memorial Service is planned for November 12th in Walton NY, with internment of her ashes in the Walton Cemetery with John Howland.

Loretta is survived by her daughter Carolyn (Ronald) Henrikson and four grandchildren; Erik Henrikson, Sonja Anne Henrikson Beaudoin, Loretta Sue Harman White, and Kristen Lee Harman Kinsella. (Grandson Paul Harman preceded her in death). She is also survived by fourteen Great Grandchildren…. Her Grandson Paul Harman and wife Colleen's children; Cassandra, Elisabeth and James… Granddaughter Sonja and husband Phil Beaudoin's children; Megan and Andrew… Granddaughter Loretta and husband Tony White's children; Anthony, Kristy Sue, Miranda and Nicholas… Grandson Erik Henrikson and wife Julie's children; Elizabeth, Isabel and Isaac… and granddaughter Kristen and husband Daniel Kinsella's twin girls, Denise and Danielle.

Loretta is also survived by her brother Laurance Getter's wife Anna and their children; Christine, Colleen, and Laurie and their families…Her Cousin by marriage Kitty Gabaccia and her family… her father Ralph's niece Ellen Ann (Sam) Horton and her family… cousin Gretchen Morse and her family…cousin Byron (and wife Erma) Marble… Allen Harman's nephew Boyd (and wife Janice) and Allen's cousin Wilson Harman's children, Louise (David) Sager, Phoebe Ann (Martin) Slattery, and Arda Jane Davey and their families.

Loretta has always enjoyed doing crafts, sewing, gardening, cooking, canning, and interior decorating. She was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, American Legion Auxiliary, and volunteered with the American Red Cross. She had always been active until recent years when the Polio she had as a young child (and had completely overcome), returned as "Post Polio Syndrome" and had greatly decreased her mobility, and necessitated her "Jazzy" electric wheelchair.

Loretta enjoyed life and cared for her fellow man. She overcame life's obstacles with courage and faith, and was always generous with her love and praise for her family.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 12, 2005 at the Clark, Winter & Courtney Funeral Home, Walton.