Loretta Grace Hinca of Plainville, Kansas, went to meet her Savior, Jesus, face-to-face on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 11:28 a.m.

Loretta will forever be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her life was marked by a deep faith in Jesus, a wonderful sense of humor, and a genuine love for others. Her caring heart was evident even as a young girl, when she helped care for her mother. This love and devotion would continue throughout her life as she cared for her husband, raised her children, and extended that same love to family and friends.

As a young girl, Loretta dreamed of visiting New York. Little did she know that God would answer that prayer through an unexpected love story. During the Korean War, Loretta became pen pals with Robert “Bob” Hinca, a young U.S. Air Force man from Buffalo, New York. Bob wrote to Loretta every day, and she faithfully wrote back. Through their exchange of letters, their friendship blossomed into love.

Following his discharge from the military, Bob traveled to Kansas to finally meet Loretta in person. Their relationship continued to grow, and on April 25, 1959, they were married, beginning a life together that would span nearly 60 years. And yes, Loretta did get to visit New York a few times!

Together, Bob and Loretta raised four children and built a home filled with love, laughter, and plenty of good food. Loretta was always on the lookout for the perfect “one-liner” of the day and loved sharing a good laugh. When family or friends came to visit, she would prepare multicourse meals, often with several desserts. Her famous mac and cheese and cherry cheesecake pie were always favorites, and no one ever left her table hungry!

Loretta’s faith in Jesus remained at the center of her life. She enjoyed singing in a community choir, worshiping with her church family, and sharing life with the many friends she treasured. Through both the joys and challenges of life, she remained an example of grace, perseverance, and love.

Her legacy lives on through the family she loved, the friendships she cherished, and the faith she carried throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Loretta is survived by her four children and their spouses: Mark L. Hinca and wife Linda of Salina, Kansas; Mary A. Hurlbut and husband Buck of Edmond, Oklahoma; Lisa M. Ward and husband Neal of Hays, Kansas; and Craig A. Hinca and wife Laura of Salina, Kansas.

She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Ronald Gabriel of Salina, Kansas; Timothy Gabriel of Lenexa, Kansas; Landon Hurlbut and Abby Hurlbut of Nashville, Tennessee; Paige Hinca of Lawrence, Kansas; Nathan Ward and Ryan Ward of Hays, Kansas; and Grant Hinca of Salina, Kansas.

Loretta was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert “Bob” Hinca; her parents, George Paul Garvert and Lenora Olive (Meyers) Garvert; and her four siblings, Irene, Rosella, Kathryn, and Robert.

A private family funeral service was held on Saturday, September 19, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at New Life Center Church in Hays, Kansas.

Memorials are suggested to New Life Center Church or KJIL Radio and may be sent to Plumer-Overlease Funeral Home, 320 SW 2nd Street, Plainville, KS 67663.