Loretta Agaline Carothers, lovingly known as "Lou" by friends and family, was born on July 11, 1934 in Wilson County, North Carolina and passed peacefully on March 17, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by loved ones.

Lou was the matriarch of her family and a pillar of quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering love. She grew up with her mother, Effie Mae Farmer Lewis, father, Robert Roy Lewis, and siblings in Rocky Mount, North Carolina where they all worked hard in the tobacco fields. She met and married her soulmate, Kenneth Chancel Carothers, while he was stationed in North Carolina for the Marine Corps. They were happily married for 64 years. They spent the early years of their life together in Evansdale, Iowa, where Kenneth was born, before relocating to Webster City, Iowa in 1979. In their later years, they retired to Northwest Arkansas, to relax and admire its beauty. Together, they built a life rich in faith, family, and devotion to others.

A deeply spiritual woman, Lou was a dedicated member of her church for many years until her health no longer allowed her to attend in person after 2020. Even then, she remained spiritually connected by watching services from home, filling her days with worship music and scripture, never losing her reverence or her routine.

Lou's children were a source of great pride. Her daughter, Ginger Renken, a gifted Pastor and songwriter, passed away after a long and courageous battle with leukemia shortly before Lou's own passing. Her son, Robert "Bobby" Carothers, also preceded her in death in July of 1975 at a young age of 20. She was also preceded in death by both parents, brothers, James Douglas Lewis, Basil Glen Lewis, Robert Roy Lewis Jr., and sister, Veronica Morrison (Lee) who also passed just a few short days before herself. Their absence left a profound ache, yet Lou's strength and grace never wavered.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Becky Roberts, who remained by her side through every season. Lou also leaves behind six grandchildren and a growing legacy of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. All of her adult life was devoted to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren whom she loved with her whole heart. They were her reason for breathing. To us, she was our rock—we couldn't have done this thing called life without her. She is also survived by her sister, Marie Moore; brothers Carroll Yakima Lewis, and Leon Lewis. As well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who were touched by her kindness.

She absolutely loved flowers. Her home was often filled with their colors and fragrance, each bloom a reflection of her vibrant spirit and love of beauty.

A memorial service will be at The Garden of Memories, 3669 Logan Ave. Waterloo, Iowa, at a later date and time. All who knew and loved Lou are welcome to join in celebrating a life so beautifully lived.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.

Cremation services are under the direction of Benton County Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Rogers, Arkansas.