Memorial

Loretta Elaine Higham, 89, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, March 19, 2026. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Cedar Memorial Funeral Home, preceded by a visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Czech National Cemetery. There will be a memorial reception at 1 p.m. in the Hy-Vee Event Space at 20 Wilson Avenue SW, located one block from the cemetery. 

Endeared as a loving grandmother, devoted mother, and cherished friend, Loretta was born September 9, 1936, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Joseph and Anna Hoffman. She graduated from McKinley High School in Cedar Rapids. On September 27, 1958, she was united in marriage to Ronald Higham of Cedar Rapids.  The two shared four children; Carrie, Kimberly, Brad and Victoria. 

Loretta was devoted to raising her children, who were the light of her life. In the face of every challenge, Loretta approached life’s trials with grace, humor, and the strength that came from her deep faith in Christ.  She enjoyed fellowship at Oakland Church of the Nazarene where many dear friends were a great support to her.  She had a wide circle of friends, whom she loved spending time with, attracted by her generous and warm personality. Loretta was filled with gratitude and always thinking of others. She never missed an opportunity to send a card or letter of encouragement, or a gift to a friend. She especially loved spending time outdoors, breathing the fresh air, picnicking with family, gardening, and delighting in the beauty of plants and flowers.  In the colder months, she enjoyed reading biographies, watching musicals and TBN, baking, playing scrabble with her grandchildren, and writing letters.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Anna Hoffman; her children Carrie Higham and Kimberly (Steven) Allgood; her brother, Frank Hoffman; and the father of her children, Ronald Higham.  She is survived by her loving children, Victoria and Bradley Higham of Cedar Rapids; her son-in-law; Steven Allgood (Christy Keyes); her grandchildren of Kimberly and Steven: Rachel (Heath) Hupke, Samantha (Jacob) Bowdoin, and Eli (Katie) Allgood; her