DEBORAH J. “Deb" Rucker

November 4, 1950 - December 19, 2022

Elkhart, IN- Deborah Jean Rucker, 72, of Elkhart, passed away Monday, December 19, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her children and sister Gloria who had been her caregiver, after a brief battle with cancer. She was born November 4, 1950, in Elkhart, to Robert Howard Sr. and Mary (Trainer) Rucker

On February 7, 1969, she married the love of her life, the late Lawrence F. Rucker Jr. he preceded her in death on April 25, 2020.

She is survived by her daughter, Danielle Rucker; son, Shane (Autumn Leed) Rucker; granddaughter, Jacqueline Carmichael; grandson, KeShaune Rucker; 5 great-grandchildren, Haidyn Carmichael, Emmarie and Presley Landis, Zofia Niemzyk and Luna Jantzi-Rucker. 7 sisters, Darlene (Ron) Rucker, Bobbette (Marvin) Gohn, Connie Love, Sandra Rucker, Candy Rucker, Shirley Richards, Gloria Rucker; 5 brothers, Roger Rucker, Andy Rucker, Allen (Sonya) Howard, Michael (Jennifer) Howard, Robbie (Christina) Howard, and Wayne (Diana) Rucker.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by 1 sister, Diana Johnson.

Deb was a loving housewife and homemaker. She helped raise many children in her life and loved each one as her own. She was affectionately known as the “Cake Lady” by everyone she knew.

The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the 12:00 noon funeral service on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 700 E. Jackson Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46516. Interment will follow at Olive West Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children in memory of Deb.

Online condolences may be given by visiting www.wmzfh.com.