Beloved wife, mom, grandma, friend and mentor, she cared deeply and effectively about each person in her life. Her strong faith, love invested in family and others, and gracious hospitality shone in all she did.

Born on November 15, 1927, in Portland, Oregon, Lucki graduated from Lincoln High School in Portland and attended the University of Oregon, where she met her husband, Bob. They were married on September 9, 1947, beginning a dedicated and loving relationship that lasted nearly 58 years. As a couple and individuals, Bob and Lucki blessed thousands with their countless acts of service, hospitality, and friendship.

Lucki’s family meant the world to her and she considered “homemaker” a designation of great honor and purpose. She created an environment where her family always felt loved and welcomed, and liked nothing more than being surrounded by kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. She is survived by her three children, 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Lucki Van Atta’s relationship with God – and mobilizing that relationship to connect meaningfully with people – was the most important thing in her life. She was active in her church as a teacher, ministry leader, resource coordinator, and program facilitator. A faithful prayer warrior, she supported hundreds of people near and far with her diligent prayers and regular communications.

Her lifelong passion for missions and cross-cultural outreach gave her numerous opportunities to support and host missionaries and others. Lucki was an expert at welcoming international students, missionaries and visitors from other countries into her home as she combined her gifts of hospitality, service, and faith. She and her husband also had opportunities for short-term missions, including a stint in the Philippines in 1990.

Although her family and home were the center of her life, Lucki was a skilled writer and speaker. Her writing connected her with people around the world, especially the women who benefitted from her ministry of encouragement. When Lucki’s book, “Women Encouraging Women,” was published, it was one of the few resources for women seeking effective ways to connect with and support other women. Her book and magazine-article writing also brought her opportunities to speak at conferences and events for women, writers, and Christian leaders. She was active in Oregon Christian Writers.

But more important than her roles as author and speaker were her relationships. Long before her mentoring ministry really blossomed she was encouraging her children and husband, making sure they always knew how much she loved them and was rooting for them. Lucki also actively mentored dozens of women over the years, pouring herself into their lives and helping them grow healthier spiritually, emotionally.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on January 24th, at PDX Church in Portland. In lieu of flowers or gifts, send contributions to student scholarship fund @ Western Seminary, Portland.

Memorial Service

11am ,Saturday, January 24, 2015
PDX Church (formally Burlingame Baptist)
125 Miles Street Portland, OR 97219