Loretta Rish Obituary

Loretta B. Rish, 87, of Little Mountain, SC, died surrounded by family at Newberry Health hospital on February 22, 2026. Born in Fairfield County, SC, on April 24, 1938, she was the daughter of the late J.D. and Minnie Bass Branham.

After retiring from the United States Postal Service, Loretta fully dedicated herself to being a homemaker.She was known for her cooking abilities, often making liver nips, a labor of love for her family. Nothing brought her more enjoyment in life than family; she adored her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. When she wasn’t reading books, making quilts or cooking, she could be found making memories with family, such as taking her grandkids to Frankie’s Fun Park, the movies and the mall.

She was a member of St Peters Lutheran church where she taught Sunday school. She was known for remembering loved ones, friends, and everyone she knew (and some she didn’t know) with cards, gifts and phone calls on special occasions, and many times for no reason at all other than to make them feel special and loved.

Loretta is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Billy P. Rish. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Nate (Susan) Rish; daughter, Billie Sue (Wayne) Moore; grandchildren, Zach (Becca) Rish, Nichole (John) Rauch, and great-grandchildren, Johnny and Sadie Rauch, and Shawn Morris. She is also survived by brothers, Rev. Jerry (Linda) Branham, Samuel “Pete” (JoAnn) Branham, Rodger (Linda) Branham, John (Mary) Branham, and sister, Marie Melton.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by brothers, Leo Peake and Raymond Branham; sisters, Eva Davis and Claudette Branham; daughter, Melody Hornsby; granddaughter, Jessica Morris; and grandson, Christopher Morris.

Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM, Friday, March 13, 2026, at Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin. 939 Chapin Road, Chapin, SC, 29136.

The family will gather for visitation prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM, at Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin. 

Inurnment will follow at St. Peters Lutheran Church Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church Cemetery Committee, 900 Dreher Island Rd. Chapin, SC 29036.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rish family.