Loretta J. Shelby Helmboldt, 86, of Allegan, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the Allegan Country Estate Assisted Living (Sheila's Place) in Allegan, where she received excellent care. Loretta was born July 14, 1929 in Flint, Michigan, the daughter of Peter and Lottie (Alspaugh) Shelby. She grew up in Fenton, Michigan and was a Class of 1948 graduate. In 1955 she married her husband, Donald E. Helmboldt, and they recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They lived in several towns in Michigan as well as Florida, Wyoming, Oklahoma and Montana, finally settling in Allegan in 1971. Loretta's hobbies were crafts, cooking, sewing, traveling and playing cards, but her loves were her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Donald; two daughters: Jennifer Anderson and Mark, Krystal and Rick Dutkiewicz; a son: Robert Helmboldt and Lorie; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother: Leman Shelby and Evelyn of Owosso, Michigan. Preceding her in death was her son, Mitchell, and her parents, Peter and Lottie Shelby. Friends may meet with the family on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the First Congregational Church of Allegan (323 Cutler Street) from 12:00 - 1:00 pm, where a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm., Pastor Barry Lucas officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wings of Hope Hospice, 530 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010.