Loeta Langley Derby

Loeta Langley Derby, 85, of Meadville, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at Marquette Hospice House.

Loeta was born at the former Spencer Hospital, Meadville, on November 24, 1937, a daughter of the late Kenneth W. and Helen C. (Gebhardt) Langley.

On April 17, 2004, Loeta married Gerald R. Derby; he survives.

She was an active member of St. Mary of Grace Roman Catholic Church, Meadville, where she volunteered her time and talents in various ways.

Over the years, Loeta was employed as a secretary in different capacities including to Attorney George X. Simonetta, in the Purchasing Department of Westinghouse Electric Co., as well as Sunbeam Equipment, to Judge Gossman, Seymour, IN, to the president of Seymour Tool and Engineering, at the former Spencer Hospital and at Meadville Medical Center. Additionally she was employed as Activity Director of the Transitional Care Unit of Meadville Medical Center. She especially enjoyed that job as she lovingly claimed all of the residents as her family while bringing smiles to their faces.

She attended the former St. Brigid Grade School and graduated from the former St. Agatha High School. Loeta was an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph and volunteered at the local Soup Kitchen. She enjoyed nature, all of God's creatures and also traveling; she especially enjoyed taking cruises.

Loeta is survived by her husband Gerald of 18 years; a sister Rosalyn Peterson of Citrus Springs, FL; two special spiritual sisters Jennifer King, Stacy Petro; one nephew Brett; two nieces Renee and Michele; several cousins including Bill Gebhardt (June), Mark Munson (Paula), Karen Hayhurst (John), Linda Green (Jim), Lee Langley; and special friends Tom and Gerry King.

In addition to her parents, Loeta was preceded in death by her uncle Bill Gebhardt (Louise); and her aunt Twyla Dragasavac (Marshall).

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 AM on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church, 222 Renner Lane, Saegertown, with Fr. Mark Nowak officiating.

Private burial will take place in St. Brigid Cemetery.

If so desired contributions may be made to St. Bernadette Roman Catholic Church, 222 Renner Lane, Saegertown, PA 16433 or The Humane Society of Crawford County, 11012 Kennedy Hill Road, Meadville, PA 16335.

Arrangements are under the direction of STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT STREET, MEADVILLE, PA 16335

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com.