Alberta Joanna Loney

Alberta Joanna Loney, 96, of Columbus, GA passed away Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at her residence.  A memorial service  will be held at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 4026 Macon Road in Columbus on Monday, February 29, 2016 beginning at 11:00 AM EST, with Pastor Shirley Redmond officiating.  A family burial service will be held at Fort Benning Cemetery earlier that morning.  The family will receive friends at a reception at St. Matthew Lutheran Church to be held immediately following the memorial service.  

Alberta was born January 15, 1920 in Spencer County, Indiana , daughter of the late Wilfred and Florence Kanzler Tabelman.  She was a founding member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. She was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Women’s Army Corps of the US Army in North Africa and Italy.  She was a recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Bronze Service Star; the American Campaign Medal; and the Good Conduct Medal.  It was during her military service that she met and married MSgt (later Major) Ralph H. Loney, of Madison, Minnesota, with whom she raised a family of five children.  They were parted by his death in December 1992.

Alberta also is predeceased by her son, Glenn Loney, daughter-in-law, Ardis Pierce, and three sisters.

Survivors include a daughter, Janet Loney (Stephen Ray); three sons, Wayne Loney, Scott Loney (Sarah Saltzman), Roger Loney (Peggy Milner Loney); a daughter-in-law, Rosemary Rainey Loney; thirteen grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and a beloved cousin, Mary Alice Nebold. 

The family desires no flowers, and asks that memorial gifts be directed toward the Women in Military Service Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, DC, of which Alberta was Charter Member 163164; and/or St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Columbus, GA, with designation for the Music Ministry.