We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved wife, mother, step-mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Loretta Mathes Fuller Symms, 84. Loretta passed away from complications of Dementia surrounded by her husband, Steve, and her children.

Loretta was born in Sumas, Wash., and later moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, where she attended Coeur d'Alene High School. Loretta married Gary Fuller and had three children Vickie, Jodi, and Brad. Later in life, Loretta would marry the love of her life, Steve Symms, and would enjoy the next 30+ years of her life enjoying their life together, their seven children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Loretta worked on Capitol Hill as an executive assistant and office manager and, in 1987, Sen. Bob Dole appointed her to the Sergeant-at-Arms Office. In 1996, Sen. Trent Lott appointed Loretta to the Deputy Sergeant-at-Arms Post in The U.S. Senate, a position she held until her retirement in 2001.

Loretta was a wonderful artist, who loved needlepoint and crocheting, gardening and cooking. Her favorite thing was spending time with Steve, her kids and her grandkids (Grandma Retta).

Loretta was preceded in death by her mother, Olive Rollins, father Lester Mathes, brother Rodney Jessick and step-son Dan Symms. Loretta is survived by her husband, Steve Symms, children Vickie Fuller (Jeff), Jodi Fuller (Diane), Brad Fuller (Jeffrey), step-children Susan Stauffer (Darris), Amy Crabtree (Charlie) and Katy Senkus (Steve), brother Rob Mathes (Margaret) and sister Suzanne Jessick.

A funeral is scheduled for May 12, 11 a.m. at Loudoun Funeral Chapels 158 Catoctin Circle SE Leesburg, VA 20175.