Christine M Love, age 55 of O Fallon, Illinois, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026 at her residence.

She was born on February 15, 1971, in Pottsville PA, a daughter of David A and LaRae (Deeter) Lucas.

Christine was a 1989 graduate of Tri-Valley High School; where she was active in sports and the band front.She was the first Pottsville Winter Carnival Princess from Tri-Valley. Christine was also a graduate of Williamsport Community College and received her nursing degree from Austin Peay State University.

Christine served our country for twenty-one years. She began her military career in the US Army and then re enlisted in the US Air Force; where she served as a flight nurse. She flew over twenty combat missions into Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Persian Gulf evacuating hundreds of wounded warriors. She retired from the Air Force as a Major.

Christine enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling and making crafts. Her passion was taking care of others, especially veterans. She was lucky enough to have three different families- her hometown family in PA, her military family, and her family in O'Fallon IL, where she resided since 2011.

She was preceded in death by her parents, David A and LaRae (Deeter) Lucas.

She is survived by a brother, David Lucas, Jr and his wife Angel of Hegins: a sister Denise Clark and her husband John of Hegins; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral Services will be held at Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View PA, on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will be in Barry Salem Cemetery, Weishample, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions in honor of Christine be made to a veterans support organization of your choice.

Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to serve the family of Christine.

Condolences can be left for the family at buffingtonreed.com.