Loretta Mae Gugin

Loretta Mae Gugin, 86, of Pendleton, Oregon, passed away on December 26, 2025, in Pendleton. Loretta Mae Anderson was born on October 18, 1939, in Prosser, Washington, to Chester and Jessie Anderson.
Loretta grew up on her family’s ranch in Prosser, where she developed a lifelong love for animals, especially horses, and a strong work ethic that carried her throughout her life. She was no stranger to the spotlight, earning the titles of Miss Prosser in 1956 and 1957 and Miss Inland Empire from 1956 to 1958. One of her most treasured accomplishments was being named a Pendleton Round-Up Princess in 1958, an honor she held close to her heart.
She graduated from Prosser High School in 1957 and went on to attend Washington State College, where she majored in education. In her youth, Loretta’s favorite passion was baton twirling, a talent that took her across two states and earned her championship recognition. She received superior ratings throughout Washington State and at the Portland Rose Festival in 1958, where she placed third in the advanced division.
In 1958, Loretta married James Gugin Sr. Together they raised two children, Jim and Jody, and made their home in Pendleton, where Loretta would remain a longtime resident. She worked for many years as a medical transcriptionist at Community Hospital and St. Anthony Hospital.
Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Jessie Anderson; her brothers, Claude Boyd and Raymond Snodgrass; and her sisters, Dorothy Boyd and Myrtle Hazeltine.
She is survived by her son, Jim Gugin (Tami); her daughter, Jody Gugin Robinson; her grandchildren, Jeneal Collins, Trevor Gugin, Karlee Wallace, and Kason Robinson; and six great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense pride and joy.
Loretta will be remembered for her grace, determination, love of family, and the many accomplishments that marked her vibrant life. Her legacy lives on in the stories shared, the traditions she cherished, and the family she loved so deeply.