Obituaries

E. Lorraine "Rainie" Sanker

9/3/1936 - 7/11/2026

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Obituary For E. Lorraine "Rainie" Sanker

With heavy hearts we announce, in the early morning of Saturday, July 11, 2026, while most slept, the world stood still, the heavens opened, and the Lord Jesus on a golden chariot pulled by white horses with white wings, took our mother’s hand and led her to her heavenly home. And with trumpets declaring the arrival of one of heaven’s most blessed and beloved souls, Rainie made it home to the throne of God where she will be well rewarded for a life well lived. For all who knew our mother, you knew what a special soul she truly was.

Rainie was born in Tipton, daughter of the late Franklin Dale Markel and Evelyn (McGhee) Markel Holliday. She married Francis James Sanker on November 5, 1956, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. He preceded her in death on March 17, 2009.

She is survived by her children: Francis James “Jim” Sanker, Jr. (Beth), Karen Lynn Healy (Jeff), Paul Daniel Sanker, all of Altoona, Mark Gregory Sanker (Kim) of North Carolina; her sister, Constance Claycomb (David); her grandchildren: Jessica, Michael, Justin, Jamie, Jacob, Ian, Ashley, and Brooke; and 6 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her stepbrother, George R. “Vince” Holliday and her stepsister, Nancy Holland.

Rainie was a 1954 graduate of Altoona High School and retired from Reliance Savings Bank after 25 years of service.

She attended the Altoona Bible Church. She loved spending time with her family more than anything, and also enjoyed crafts, painting, reading, and being with her pets.

She smiled at everyone she met and never had a negative thing to say about anyone. Even with her declining memory, she would tell us how much she loved us and we “were her everything”.

She lived most of her life in Lakemont but was recently a guest of the Presbyterian Village at Hollidaysburg for whom the family is eternally grateful for their awesome care.

Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 2309 Broad Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 4 p.m. with Pastor Stewart W. McClelland officiating. Interment will be at Alto Reste Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family wishes that you give a hug to a loved one.

Condolences may be made at www.stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or Stevens Family funeral Homes Facebook.

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Condolences

  • 07/16/2026

    Steve Dunn

    Praying for peace & comfort during this time. Jim, we remember your mom with a smile & kind words whenever we saw her. You were blessed with a wonderful mom. Deepest sympathy from Steve Dunn & Mark Dunn

  • 07/14/2026

    Lisa Wiley Ecker

    To the entire Sanker Family, Our families have been involved in each others lives for generations. We are so blessed to know and love Mrs. Sanker. Our Mom babysat for her kids and they helped my parents elope. Mrs, Sanker was one of the kindest ladies I've ever met. She made a lasting impression with her flawless beauty and her genuine and sincere caring! We are sending our thoughts and prayers to each of you! Love you all, Tom, Lisa (Wiley) , Dalaina and Richard Ecker

  • 07/14/2026

    Value Drug Company

    Our deepest sympathy - your Value Drug Family

  • 07/12/2026

    Edwina Delozier

    Lorraine, I will always remember you sitting in the back seat at ABC, hugs to all your family, till we meet again at Jesus feet.

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