Loretta Frances Krein, born on April 19, 1954, in Gonzales Ranch, New Mexico, returned to her forever home at the age of 71 after a hard-fought and courageous battle with cancer. She was the beloved daughter of Wilson W. Cox and Mary Cox.

Loretta is survived by her husband of 48 years, Mel Krein; her three children, Michele Romero (Jerry With), Jason Krein (Jeannine Krein), and Sharon Fawver (Max Fawver); and her eight grandchildren: Abbi With, Jordan Krein, Jonah Krein, Jackson Krein, Alyssa Fawver, Hunter Fawver, Adrien Fawver, and Isaiah Fawver. Loretta is also survived by her sister, Therese O'Dell (David O'Dell), and her brothers, Wilson Cox (Martina Cox) and David Cox.

Loretta and Mel married in 1977 after meeting in the orchestra pit performing the musical Oklahoma!. In 1991, Loretta returned to college at the University of New Mexico to pursue a music degree in clarinet performance. While earning her undergraduate and graduate degrees, she kept a beautiful and loving home for her husband and three children. After completing her Master's degree, Loretta established her clarinet teaching studio and successfully ran it for over 30 years. Her teaching positively impacted hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to successful musical careers themselves. She taught music through clinics in the Albuquerque Public Schools and camps such as Hummingbird Music Camp. Loretta loved her students, and not a single one was left untouched by her passion for music and teaching. Loretta also founded, presided over, and performed in the Bosque Chamber Music Society for nearly a decade. In addition, she performed in bands, quartets, and orchestras, including the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, the Roswell Symphony Orchestra, the Albuquerque Concert Band, and others. Loretta made a lasting impact, and her imprint on the music community will be remembered.

Loretta will be remembered for her infectious laugh, wonderful outlook on life, and, most importantly, her everlasting love for Jesus. She had unwavering faith and touched countless people with her genuine love and care. She dedicated her life to praying for others and sharing the gospel. For 40 years, she held Bible studies in her home and church and mentored countless women who leaned on her strength and example of unwavering faith. No matter what she faced, she put others first, and she would never pass up the chance to pray for someone, make them a meal, or meet for lunch. She had the gift of hospitality and found joy in hosting dinners and tea parties, and tucking into a proper British tea. She had the most lovely place settings, and it was her joy and honor to host as many people as possible at her table.

Loretta deeply loved her family and cherished her grandchildren - she treasured every moment spent with them. She never passed up an opportunity to spend an afternoon with her grandchildren, taking them to the Dollar Store, hugging them, and kissing them until they squirmed away. She enjoyed making exquisite, intricate birthday cakes, and she relished listening to her grandchildren's recitals and concerts as they began their own musical journey.

Although Loretta's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us through her unwavering faith, her dedication to music and teaching, and her loving example. May her memory forever be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love, compassion, zeal for life, and her resolute and steadfast faith in Jesus in all that we do.

Dear Loretta, dear mom, dear sister, and dear wife, as you forever worship our Savior in heaven, your music and laughter will be heard loudly and forever cherished in our hearts with love.

The family will receive friends for a celebration of her life at Harvest Church, 5331 Montaño Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120, on Thursday, January 22nd, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.