Loretta R. Twisselman 1937-2025

By Atascadero News · Thu Dec 11 2025

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Loretta Rae Twisselman, who at age 88, peacefully left this Earth surrounded by her loving family. Loretta’s passing was on November 26, 2025, which would have been her 70th wedding anniversary.  

Loretta was born on February 15, 1937, at the Clark Williams Hospital in Bishop, California. It was quite an exciting event since her mother, Florence (Aubrey) Moncus, went into premature labor amid a severe snowstorm in the mountainous village at the Cardinal Gold Mine, where Loretta’s father, Ray Moncus, worked. With the help of gold miners who made a sled for the 17-mile trek down the mountain, they then picked up and turned around an awaiting ambulance stuck in the snow. The expecting mother made it down the mountain to Bishop, where Loretta was born and quickly nicknamed “Snowball.”

In 1945, at age 8, Loretta moved to Paso Robles, California, and was educated in Paso Robles schools. She graduated from Paso Robles High School with the Class of 1954.  She was a proud Bearcat and an amazing athlete. Loretta was especially known for her baton twirling performances as Head Majorette for the Paso Robles High School Marching Band. Upon her high school graduation, Loretta attended Fresno State, majoring in physical education with hopes of becoming a PE teacher. She was, instead, swept off her feet when a family friend introduced her to a tall, handsome cowboy named James “Buster” Twisselman. They were married shortly thereafter on November 26, 1955, making their first home in Fairfield, California, while Buster was stationed at Travis Air Force Base.

Soon, the married couple moved to Bitterwater, California, to start their cattle ranching adventures. Loretta was a huge contributor to the success of the cattle ranch, learning how to ride, rope, and brand cattle. Along the way, she also learned how to hunt for deer and quail. To assist in the ranch operations, Loretta worked side by side with her husband in harvesting crops, grading roads, and working cattle. In tough economic times, Loretta took on additional work by waitressing at Blackwell’s Corner. It was there that Mobil Oil management observed her work ethic and asked her to apply for a job in the oilfields. Upon interviewing, she became the first woman “Roustabout” at Mobil Oil and thus a pioneer woman in the local oil industry. She retired from Mobil Oil as a Lease Operator after nearly 20 years of service.

Being born in Bishop, California, Loretta loved the Sierra Mountains and spent many family vacations and pack trips with friends in the High Sierras. She had a passion for trout fishing and was proud of her prized 14.8 pound trout caught at Crowley Lake.  She spent many summers fishing and tending to her rose garden at her second home in Bishop.

After the passing of her husband, Loretta moved off the ranch into Paso’s Traditions at River Oaks senior community. It was here she gained many cherished friends, enjoyed playing cards, tending to her beautiful rose garden, and sneaking off to Bishop for some more fishing and high-country adventures.

Loretta was preceded in death by her husband, James C. “Buster” Twisselman; her mother, Florence (Aubrey) Ray; her father, Ray Moncus; and her twin great-grandchildren, Quinn and Retta de Jong. She is survived by her two daughters, Sheree Davis (Wade Taylor) and Jill Heely (Robert), and her grandchildren, Kaitlin de Jong (Josh), Madison Heely (and fiancé Manuel Garner), and twins Ashley and Justin Davis. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Healy and Candace Markwith (Bob), as well as many adored nieces, nephews, and cousins.

On behalf of Loretta and her family, a sincere thank you is extended to the following caregivers who offered their loving and compassionate care: Jogina Cashmore, Nidia Ford, Flor Sanchez, and the amazing staff at Home Matters Caregiving.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2026, at 11:00 am in Paso Robles at the Mid-State Fairgrounds (Adelaide Hall) located at 2198 Riverside Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Loretta Twisselman to the Paso Robles Bearcat Boosters at P.O. Box 22, Paso Robles, CA 93447 or to an organization of your choice.