Obituary of Joretta Lerch

Joretta " Jerri " Lerch, 91, passed away July 1, 2023  in Hospice care at her home.  

Jerri was born on December 29, 1931 in Clinton, Indiana to Charles and Lena Colombo. She attended Purdue University, where she met her engineer husband, Robert Connor Lerch.

She is survived by her children, Susan Woods of Mattoon, Illinois, and John Lerch of Lithia, Florida; two nephews ( Stephen Lerch and Robert Lerch ), one niece ( Meg LaVergne ), and many beloved cousins.

She was preceeded in death by her parents, husband Robert, and granddaughter Jennifer Woods.

Jerri was a homemaker and successful Realtor before retiring to Sun City Center in 1994. She served as a calm and effective dispatcher for the Sun City Center Volunteer Emergency Squad for over 14 years. 

Her special love was duplicate bridge, and over the years she served on the board of the Duplicate Bridge Association of Sun City Center.

Jerri loved people, animals, and helping others, and she will be remembered for her beautiful smile and generous spirit.

Her Celebration of Life will be Thursday, July 13th at 1:00 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center.