Elizabeth Lucille Skeen was born to Ervin and Beulah (Summers) Strate in May, Oklahoma on November 5, 1928. She departed this life into the presence of her loving Lord from Shawnee Post Acute and Rehabilitation Center in Overland Park, KS on October 25, 2022, at the age of 93 years, 11 months, and 20 days.
On August 13, 1947, she married lifelong companion, Ruben Wayne Skeen in Iola, KS. He preceded her in death just over 72 years later, on September 14, 2019.
Her childhood was marked by sorrow at the death of her mother when she was a few days old and by the passing of her stepmother, Myrtle Bell, when she was 6 years of age. She often related a nighttime vision she experienced, at that time of childhood uncertainty, of an angel in the air outside her window in her Papa’s car which accompanied them many miles. She said it was “God assuring her that everything would be okay.”
But her early years also brought the pride and joy of a wonderful loving family; her Papa who valiantly assumed the single parent role; her siblings who each became closely beloved lifelong friends; including her eldest sister, Grace, who became a surrogate mother. She spoke lovingly of her Papa gathering the family around for Bible reading and prayer. Though years and miles would eventually separate them, they shared a deep love that time and distance would not diminish. Upon her marriage, this filial affection was extended to and received from her newly extended family and would last throughout their lifetimes.
She testified to an early relationship with God and left home to attend and graduate from Gravette Holiness Bible School. With her marriage to Wayne in 1947, she became a dedicated, loving wife and mother. She was an invaluable ministry partner to her husband, serving God and His Church in many ways, including her outstanding musical talent. As a self-taught pianist and guitarist, she could sight-read music or play by ear, which was indispensable in church music ministry. She was an accomplished alto vocalist and music teacher to her children and others, forming her family into a vocal quartet. Her talents included graphic design and publishing, another benefit in their church work. Lucille and Wayne were loyal to the Church of God (Holiness) and spent over 60 of their 72 years together, in pastorates and evangelism throughout Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and Arizona. They came out of retirement twice to rescue or sustain churches in jeopardy.
Additionally, she supported their ministry financially working at various times as a legal secretary, government records clerk, school office administrator, and school bus driver.
She was a prayer warrior and would invoke the presence of God with sweetness of spirit and words of unshakable faith. Working side by side with Wayne, they would together see God's blessings in successful pastoral ministry and in building a home where their children quickly learned the biblical moral values of life along with the fulfilling wonder of serving God and others. Their home would experience challenges and victories in the power of the Lord Jesus Christ exemplified by love, devotion, commitment, healing, and salvation.
Lucille is survived by her son Wayne, II and wife Wanda (Hicks) of Berthoud, CO, and her daughter Patsy Smith and husband Jack of Overland Park; four grandchildren, Tawnya Smith and Scott Smith, of Tacoma, WA; Aaron Skeen and wife Alyssa (Heath) of Berthoud, CO, and Deborah (Skeen) Gardner and husband Jeff of Caldwell, ID; nine great-grandchildren; Alex Chailland, and Silas and Sheridan Smith; Madison, Chase, and Maycie Gardner; and Alexis, Andrew, and Aiden Skeen; and a large host of nieces, nephews; other extended family members, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Grace Leonard and husband BA, Evelyn Beard and husband Earl, and Fern Strate; brothers Glen Strate and wife Clesta (Firestone), Kenneth Strate and wife Cloma, Leonard Strate and wife Dorothy (Crooks), and Trueman Strate and wife Helen (Bellows).
Lucille Skeen deeply loved everyone in her family. She enjoyed good humor and family gatherings, especially at Christmas and other holidays. She was very outgoing and conversant, easily making friends in any setting. She was careful to appear and deport herself in a way that would make her family proud and please her Lord. She loved her life, but grieved constantly after her “Sweetie’s” passing, and constantly spoke of her great longing and expectation of seeing Jesus first of all, then being forever re-united with her lifelong love and companion.
She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed until that grand day when her family kneels in an unbroken circle of eternal joy and gratitude at the feet of her Lord Jesus. Her final earthly arrangements are being provided by Porter Funeral Home.
A viewing is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. followed by a memorial funeral service at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS. Interment will follow at Johnson County Memorial Gardens, 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS. Memorial donations may be made to the Church of God (Holiness) Home Mission Department, 7404 Metcalf, P.O. Box 4220, Overland Park, KS.
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them." - Revelation 14:13