Martha Loraine Sukalski, aged 77, jumped into the arms of the Lord on August 8, 2023, holding her daughter’s hand. Born on April 2, 1946, to Harold Samuel and Katherine Hixson Crumley in Elizabethton, Tennessee, she was a unique and precious soul, known to her friends and loved ones as Loraine
A devoted mother, grandmother, sister and daughter, she treasured her family. Loraine leaves behind her cherished daughter and best friend, Katherine (Katie) E. Lockwood, her son-in-law, Jason Lockwood, her beloved grandchildren, Joseph, Nicholas, and Shaelyn Lockwood, all in Centralia, Missouri, her brother, Carl Crumley of Perry, Florida, and a niece, Elizabeth Kinast and her family in Ithaca, New York. She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Harold Crumley, Jr., and her husband Jeffrey Sukalski. She married James W. Buchanan on December 15, 1967. She later married Frederick Manke on May 24, 1984. Her third and lasting marriage was to Jeffrey Sukalski on April 2, 2002, her 56th birthday. He passed away January 31, 2018.
Throughout her 77 years, Loraine embodied a deep sense of purpose and faith, living a life of humbly serving others and God.
She attended Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, TN, and completed her bachelor’s degree in religious studies in 1968. She went on to faithfully devote 26 years of her life to an honorable career serving the United States Air Force MWR (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) as a deputy director, improving the lives of our nation’s servicepeople and their families on 7 different installations in 5 states. After retirement, she moved to be closer to her daughter and grandchildren, making her home in Centralia, Missouri, where her spirit soared.
Beyond her vocation, Loraine found fulfillment in acts of selflessness throughout her life. She immersed her heart in the lives of those in need, generously offering her time and support as a hospice volunteer. Ever guided by her profound reverence for all of creation, she actively participated in diverse church activities, uplifting the next generation through volunteering in Vacation Bible School programs, nurturing church youth programs, and seeking wisdom through dedicated bible study with her dear friends. First Christian Church in Centralia, Missouri, was a cherished sanctuary where Loraine communed with her Creator and drew strength from her faith.
She approached her life, work, and volunteer service with unique grace and kindness, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of all she touched and uplifting the spirits of all who encountered her. Her light will continue to shine in her friends and loved ones.
In commemoration and remembrance of Loraine’s life, a celebration of life will honor her enduring legacy on Saturday, August 12, at 3:00 p.m. at First Christian Church, 229 S. Rollins St., Centralia, Missouri. This gathering of family and friends will offer fellowship, shared recollections, and reflection upon the joyous blessings bestowed by Loraine’s beautiful soul. The service will be streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@firstchristianchurch-centr9544.
Loraine Sukalski’s presence will be dearly missed by all who were touched by her life. Her legacy resonates through a life lived with unwavering humility, deep gratitude, and profound respect for the interconnectedness of all creation. May her spirit find eternal peace and serenity in the embrace of her creator. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider a gift to the youth program at First Christian Church in Centralia.
