Loretta Joyce Suchland

Loretta Joyce Suchland, 84, of Leslie, MO, departed her loving family on Sunday, March 20, 2022. Loretta was born Aug. 26, 1937, to John and Zelma (Brannen) Smith in Carrollton, Illinois.She was united in marriage to James Suchland May 14, 2005, at Leslie United Methodist Church where she was a member.She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Zelma and by her beloved grandchildren, Jacob and Joshua Huckaba.

Like sunshine, Loretta lit up our world. She gave her light tirelessly to family, friends and as a social worker for the state of Missouri.  She enjoyed good and simple things, traveling with her husband and spending time with her children, grandchildren, her friends, and her siblings. She enjoyed reading the Bible and talking about Jesus. Loretta loved gardening, listening to music, dancing, and a good joke! Despite real hardships in her life, she spent her days joyfully and she never knew a stranger. To many she was a godsend and a miracle. She is loved deeply and will be missed until we see her again in heaven.  

Loretta is survived by her husband, James of Leslie;  son and wife Shawn and Michelle Huckaba; daughter and husband Dessica  and Derek Elz; two brothers and their wives, Lon and Karen Smith and Lynn and Linda Smith; sister and husband, Wanda and Charlie Cain; and her grandchildren, Alex Huckaba and fiancé Nicole, Ely and Parker Elz.She is further survived by her three stepchildren, Mark and wife Sabre Suchland, James and wife Mary Suchland and Rachel Suchland; and 11 step-grandchildren. She is also survived by two “adopted sons,” Dan Miller and John Eye.

Visitation was held on  Saturday, March 26 from 9-11:30 a.m. at Leslie United Methodist Church in Leslie.Funeral services followed at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Mary Nienhueser officiating.  Burial services were in the church cemetery and a lunch followed.

Memorials requested to Leslie United Methodist Church Food Pantry.

Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home in Owensville.