In Loving Memory of Loretta Goben
“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all” Proverbs 31:28-29.
Loretta May Franks Goben, 85, of York, Nebraska, a woman of profound wisdom, boundless compassion, and unwavering faith, entered into Eternity on January 12, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion to God and others that will forever impact those who knew her.
Born to Estil and Bessie Franks on September 5, 1940, in Emigrant, Montana, she was the second of nine children. She graduated from Park High School in 1959. On July 10 of 1959, she married Wayne Goben. Loretta began her young career at Mountain Bell as a switchboard operator in Livingston, Montana. She would go on to own and operate the Bernina Sewing Centers of Montana, assist Wayne with drug and alcohol workshops, and ultimately become the quintessential Minister’s wife at the Glenn Park Church of Christ in Norfolk, Nebraska. In 2002, she moved to York, Nebraska where she served the students and staff of York College and became the adopted Grandma to many.
Loretta is preceded in death by her parents, Estil and Bessie Franks, her husband, Wayne Goben, her sisters, Winona (Raymond) Horsley, Rhonda Wiltgen, her brothers, Estil (Diane) Franks, Garett (Shiela) Franks, William (Jamie) Franks, John Franks, her granddaughter, Joy Staley, her great-grandson, Matthias Wells.
Loretta is survived by Her children, Rod (Trisha) Goben, Tana (Jerry) Albin, and Krista (Brad) Staley, Her sisters: Margaret (Peter) Napthine, Kathy (Rick) Bailey, Her grandchildren, Chandra (Kyle) Stewart, Kaden (Jennifer) Albin, Kellan (Tori) Goben, Nolen Albin, Tehia (Joel) Wells, Laramie (Justin) Blackwell, Bre (Nate) Toof, John Staley, Claire (Chase) Chilcoat Yager, Cameron Chilcoat, Jenna Staley, Dallas Albin, Jayne Staley, Her Great-Grandchildren, Daniel Stewart, Laela Stewart, Bella Albin, Mackenzie Stewart, Abel Albin, Asher Stewart, Leylee Grace Wells, Samuel Staley, Chandler Blackwell, Luke Chilcoat, Beckham Wells, Ember Staley, Hudson Toof.
Loretta lived a life marked by kindness, truth, laughter, and service. A devoted follower of Christ, she embodied His teachings through her acts of selfless love in serving her Church family, community, and family with a joyful heart. Through her words of truth and encouragement, business interactions, steadfast prayers, or hospitality, she touched countless lives with the light of Jesus.
A pillar of strength and grace, Loretta was a loving wife, a nurturing mother, a cherished grandmother, a devoted sister, an adored aunt, and a friend to many. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, wisdom, laughter, and faith, where all were welcomed with open arms and a listening ear.
Though we grieve at her passing, we rejoice knowing she now rests in the presence of her Savior, hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Her memory will live on in the lives she shaped and through the love she shared.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at East Hill Church of Christ in York, NE with Scott Franks officiating. Burial will be held at 3:30 p.m. that afternoon at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery in Norfolk, NE. Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Friday at the church. Memorials may be directed to Yellowstone Bible Camp or York University. Condolences may be left for the family at metzmortuary.com. Metz Mortuary in York is handling arrangements. Loretta’s service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/@easthillcofc/?hr=1&wtsid=rdr_1cp55KwdhFqByEchc
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” Proverbs 31:25