Sue Ruckman's Obituary
Margery Sue Ruckman of Branson, Missouri, formerly of Centerville, Iowa, passed away at the age of 77 at her home.
Sue was born January 23, 1938 in Mount Ayr, Iowa, the daughter of Dennis and Alice (Elliott) Terwilliger.
Sue graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1956. During her high school years she participated in vocal music, band, cheerleading, various organizations and played the piano for school activities. She also enjoyed working at the Princess Movie Theater four years while in high school. At the age of 12, Sue invited God into her heart and was His faithful follower all her life. She played both the piano and organ for Sunday School and church thru the years.
In 1955 Sue met Richard Ruckman of Shannon City, Iowa at the Mount Ayr skating rink and they were married November 18, 1956. They were privileged to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on a cruise to Hawaii with friends. To this union three children were born, Larry Dean, Chris Alan and Karen Elaine. The family first resided in Shannon City and were members of the Methodist Church from 1956 until moving to Centerville, Iowa in 1964. There, Sue joined the First Baptist Church where she served on many boards, committees, sang in the choir and played the piano.
Sue worked in the Appanoose County Assessor's Office in Centerville from 1974 to 1998. In June of 1998 the couple retired to Branson, Missouri. She became a charter member of the Friendly Baptist Church where again she shared her musical talents. Through the years she made precious memories by traveling with her husband, family and friends in 47 of the 50 states, as well as several cruises. Sue enjoyed dancing, playing golf, playing the piano, sewing, crocheting afghans for family members, watching college basketball on tv and living in the Branson area. Above all, she loved her family very much and they always came first in her life.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Richard of 55 years in 2012 and her special son, Larry in June of 2013.
Survivors include her son, Chris Ruckman of Centerville, Iowa, her daughter Karen Ruckman of LaPlata, Missouri and daughter-in-law, Peggy Ruckman of Centerville, Iowa; Four grandchildren, Paul Ruckman and wife Jennifer of Keota, Iowa, Angela Brown and husband Jamie of Kansas City, Missouri, Becky Crowe and husband Maurice of Laplata, Missouri and Ryannan Ruckman of Shambough, Iowa; Six great grandchildren, Hayley and Dylan Ruckman, Danny and Brooklyn Brown and Taylor and Ellie Salstrand; Three step- grandchildren, Gavin, Seth and Leah Crowe; One sister, Joan Noble and husband Rollin of Branson, Missouri; and one sister-in-law, Donna Berdine of Creston, Iowa; a special nephew, Jerry Noble and wife Kim and their children, Cub, Carson and Maddie; Plus, other nieces, a nephew and many relatives and friends.
Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, March 17, 2015 at the Haines Cemetery north of Centerville with Reverend Lloyd Johnston officiating. A visitation will be held on Tuesday at Lange Funeral Home and Crematory in Centerville from 10 AM until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Friendly Baptist Church of Branson Missouri and may be given to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa, 52544. Condolences may be expressed online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
March 17, 2015 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St. Centerville, IA (641) 856-2000
Graveside Service
March 17, 2015 11:00 AM
Haines Cemetery Centerville, IA
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