Loretta Ann Ferri Lively

Loretta Ann Ferri Lively passed away following a short illness on Monday June 23, 2014 at her home in Oak Hill. Loretta was born July 26, 1933 in Glen Jean, WV, the only child of the late John Ferri and Cassie Peterwright. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, James E Lively and her only daughter Leah Lively Dean. Loretta was also preceded in death by her aunts and uncle who helped raise her as a young girl, Fannie Jones, Anne Oxendale, Mary Kennedy, and Fred Ferri. Loretta is survived by her four sons, James E Lively Jr, and wife Cathy, Brett Lively and wife Twila, Michael Lively and wife Judy and Dr. Mathew Lively and wife Lisa; four grandchildren, Dr. Jamie Lively, Luke Lively, Jared Lively and Kathleen Lively and one great grandchild, Ava Lively. Also surviving are half brother David Ferri, half sister Meigs Conley and many many close cousins. Loretta was an honor graduate from the Mt Hope High School class of 1951 and received a Secretarial Science Certificate from Beckley College in 1952. She worked at Mt Hope High School and married Jim Lively the school’s football and basketball coach. Together they raised 5 children. Loretta was a devoted wife and mother her entire life and Jim always said that while he was busy building a business, Loretta was doing the more important job of building the family. Loretta was always active in civic affairs and especially loved gardening. She was a Master Gardener and a Charter Member of the Woodland Oaks Garden Club in Oak Hill and active on the local, state and national level, serving as President of the WV Garden Club, Inc., Secretary of National Garden Clubs, Inc. and was on the Board of Directors of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. Loretta had been currently serving as Finance Chairwoman of the WV Garden Clubs, Inc. from 1986 – Present. Always civic minded Loretta was a former member of the Fayette County Library Board, Fayette County Schools Long Range Planning Committee, Oak Hill Recreational Committee, and was longtime Chairwoman of the Oak Hill Beautification Committee. Loretta and Jim were the driving force and main benefactors of the new Lively Family Amphitheater in Oak Hill. Loretta’s other true love was Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and School in Oak Hill. A lifetime member, Loretta served as Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Director of Adult Education, former Director of CCD, former Ladies Guild President and was Chairwoman of the 100th anniversary of the Church in 2006. She was also former President of the Catholic Deanery Council of Women and the WV Diocesan Council of Catholic Women. She was especially proud that all five of her children and all four of her grandchildren attended SS Peter and Paul Catholic School in Oak Hill. In 1997 Loretta and Jim were awarded the Bishop’s Cross by the Roman Catholic Diocese of WV for extraordinary service to Catholic Schools of WV. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday June 25 at 11 am at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oak Hill with Father Carlos Melocoton officiating. Burial will follow at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill. There will no visitation. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic School, 123 Elmore St, Oak Hill, WV 25901. Online condolences may be sent to www.tyreefuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill, WV.