Loretta Lorraine Sullivan

Loretta Lorraine (Smith) Sullivan, age 98, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born December 7, 1924, in Beresford, SD to Louis and Edna (Scott) Smith. It was the love of her family that kept her alive for these 98 years, and a lot of pure stubbornness.

She was one of the sassiest and hardest working women you could ever meet, with a heart of gold who never knew how to say no when it came to helping anyone.

She was known in her younger years for her homemade cinnamon rolls and buns, cooking for hours and selling them in the small town where she lived. Her homemade chicken and noodles were a family favorite. Her recipe was handed down to her daughters who then passed it to the granddaughters and is now being passed on to the great granddaughters. This recipe has been served and will continue to be served on many dinner tables with her love.

Her loves included crocheting doilies with such fine beautiful detail, working in her garden, and raising her children while often holding down two jobs without a complaint because she did it for her family.

As young as 12, she understood the importance of family as she took on a job after school to help pay the grocery bill for her parents and her younger siblings.

She will be remembered as the family matriarch and the home where the candy dish was always full, the freezer full of ice cream, and no one could walk through her door without being asked if they were hungry.

Every Christmas Eve, for over 60 years, family gathered at her home. Our family grew, the house did not, but it didn't matter. Christmas Eve was set aside by all for time with Grandma. Many memories were made and cherished by her children and grandchildren.

At the age of 73, she recognized her need for a Savior. During a visit with Pastor Bob Baier at her kitchen table, she made a profession of faith in Jesus. Shortly after, she followed the Lord in baptism. She couldn’t attend church much but did enjoy weekly tapes of her church’s Sunday message or a pastor’s message on TV.

She was preceded in death by her husband James in 1998; her son Robert Randall in 1975; and her grandson David Berkland in 1999.

She is survived by her children, Linda Carroll (Howard), Steve Randall (Deana), Mike Randall (Kim), Sheila Young (Alan); 10 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter.

She was the oldest of thirteen children; she is survived by one sister Fern Giles; and three brothers Raymond Smith, Rodney Smith and Johnny Smith.

She will always be in our hearts. Her amazing smile will always be in our memories. Rest well 'feisty" lady.

A visitation for Loretta will be held Monday, June 12, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO, 64119, with the funeral service at 11:00 AM; Burial will follow in the White Chapel Cemetery.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dwnwhitechapel.com for the Sullivan family.