E. Lorraine ‘Rainie’ Sanker
Sept. 3, 1936 – July 11, 2026
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. On Nov. 5, 1956, she married Francis James Sanker 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) and Paul Daniel Sanker, all of Altoona, and Mark Gregory Sanker (Kim) in North Carolina; her sister, Constance Claycomb (David); her grandchildren: Jessica, Michael, Justin, Jamie, Jacob, Ian, Ashley and Brooke; and six 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 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 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at E. Merrill Smith Funeral Home Inc., 2309 Broad Ave., Altoona, where a funeral service will immediately follow at 4 p.m., 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 stevensfamilyfuneralhomes.com or on the Stevens Family funeral Homes Facebook page.