Barbara Ann Rucker

Barbara Ann Rucker aged 73 years, passed away Tuesday Dec. 13, 2022 at approximately 7:00 A.M. after a 12 year battle with cancer and 3 weeks of hospice care. Born to Margaret & Eugene Krech on April 28, 1949, Barbara was the 2nd youngest of 4 children. Barbara’s siblings include Marie Schwartz, Joan Kellerman & Richard Krech. As a young girl Barbara was very close to her grandmother Helen Dittman, wife of Fred Dittman. She often credited her with giving her needed guidance when she was growing up.

Barbara was a hard worker and a go getter in the work field. Her first job was working at Montgomery Ward as a service adjuster while also assisting with accounting. She worked at Montgomery Ward for 20+ years until it closed it’s doors. After a year off work she got a job at Thompson West popularly known as West Publishing. She would spend another 20+ years at Thompson West before her position was outsourced. She was a warrior and fought off every diagnosis until the most recent one.

Barbara was a wife to Raymond Rucker and a loving mother to Richard Rucker & Kristina (Rucker) Sadowski. She married Raymond on September 18, 1982. Barbara was an avid Sodoku strategist and loved getting the new puzzle books when they were released. Barbara loved reading and enjoyed her romance novels as well as a good romantic comedy. Barbara’s favorite time of year was Christmas, she loved the festiveness of it and how it brought family together. She also loved being creative and enjoyed ceramics, many of her pieces remain in the family home today.

In 2018 Barbara would take on a role that she hadn’t priorly had, she would become a mentor to a young woman trying to better her life. Meeting at a weekly church event Barbara took an interest in this woman and decided to mentor her along the way. Barbara was always open to trying new things and this was no different. Barbara was a very loving and kind hearted person who always tried to do right by others. She was very prideful and when she committed to something she always followed through.

Barbara’s family will be having a visitation Tuesday Dec 27, 2022 at Wulff Funeral Home in Hillcrest from 4 PM – 8 PM. The funeral will take place Dec 28, 2022 starting at Wulff at 10 AM and then proceeding to Fort Snelling after for Barbara’s final resting place. There will be a celebration of life held at Coon Rapids VFW Post #9625 from 4 PM – 8 PM following the funeral.

Barbara is survived by her husband Raymond, son Richard, daughter Kristina (Patrick), Magia (Clayton) & three grandkids Nathan, Nevina & Christian.