Bessie L. Rucker

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Friday, September 30, 1938
Date of Death:
Friday, April 12, 2024
Age:
85 years old

Memorial Service at Cook Park

Date: Friday July 26, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Friday, September 30, 1938
Date of Death:
Friday, April 12, 2024
Age:
85 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Friday, September 30, 1938
Date of Death:
Friday, April 12, 2024
Age:
85 years old

Bessie L. Rucker

Bessie “Bess” L. Rucker – Rochester

Bessie “Bess” Louise Rucker, age 85, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of Rochester, MN transitioned peacefully joining her husband and family members in heaven on April 12, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Campus, St. Marys Campus surrounded by her family.

Bessie Marsh was born on September 30, 1938 in Stewartville, MN to Roy and Doris (Brown) Marsh. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1956. On September 2, 1960 she married Charles Howard Rucker in Rochester, MN and they had two children.

Bessie worked for Northwest Airlines, Rochester City Ticket Office @ The Kahler Hotel, as a ticket agent for 41 years. Her love of travel allowed her to explore Japan, England, Australia, Alaska and so many beautiful cities.  She shared her joy of travel with her children and together they created many cherished memories. When they weren’t traveling, the family enjoyed their summers together camping.  She was an avid bowler during the winter months for many years.  As an avid sports fanatic, she held true to her MN Twins and Vikings, as well as enjoying her grandkids events.

She is survived by her children Brian (Brenda) Rucker, their children, Colin Rucker, Derek Rucker, and Emilie Rucker, of Pine Island, MN. Brenda (Kevin) Rasmussen of Rochester, MN.  Brenda’s children, Charlie Myers and April Myers, and great grandchildren Jordan Bowdry and Kemarion Dolton, all of Rochester, MN.  Her brothers David (Marlene) Marsh of Rosemount, MN, Leroy Marsh of California City, CA, and sister Janelle (Kevin) Koch of Chatfield, MN, sister-in-laws Betty Marsh of Rochester, MN, and Lynne Marsh of Sioux City, IA, and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles Howard Rucker, brothers Lowell and Douglas Marsh and her sister-in-law Jo Marsh.

Bessie nurtured numerous friendships with neighbors, travel clients, and nearly all she met.  Throughout the years she enjoyed their company as well as her family, adored and loved by all, she will be greatly missed.

Her body was donated for research at the Mayo Clinic. Services are planned for a later date. Her remains will be interred at the Chatfield Cemetery, Chatfield, MN.

Details regarding a celebration of life has yet to be determined.

Memorials are preferred to Eagles Club 2228 Cancer Telethon/Research.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com

Condolences

The family of Bessie L. Rucker has received the following condolences.

My Heart is very sadden to learn of Bessie's Passing.   I just found out today, had wondered why I had not heard from her and tried to contact her.  She was such a Wonderful, Sweet Lady,  and such a great Friend!   We met in a very different, strange way, but will never be forgotten how our friendship became so full of special get togethers and keeping in touch.  I may live in Kansas, but we saw each other a lot over the years, talked on the phone, always laughing and enjoying talking about our kids, grandkids and all the joys in our lives.   We both lost our soul mates, so we were there for each other!  I will miss her very much!


 


My Condolences to all her Family and Friends!  She will always be Loved and in our Hearts!

My deepest condolences go out to the whole family of my dear, dear friend Bess.    Brian and daughter Brenda and grandchildren were talked about so much in loving ways.  She


so felt blessed with all the things you had done for her since your Dad died especially.  Bess was my classmate back in 1956 and we got together a lot and emailed almost every


day since those computers came out.   I truly loved her with my whole heart and have missed her tremendously.  We were so praying for her to come out of the bad ordeal but


guess God decided it was her time to go home to be with him.    Bess truly was a helper in so many ways with things in our class reunions etc.   She will be missed by many of


our classmates besides me.  


Audrey Folkert

My deepest sympathy for your loss. Bessie was a wonderful neighbor to me years ago. She was funny, kind and always had a smile on her face. Bessie will be missed by many. 

Brenda, Brian and Family:


I am truly sorry for your loss.  Bessie was such an amazing person.  She was my neighbor but more than that, she was like family.  We always called her Aunt Bessie.  I look across the street and expect to see her wave or come over and chat about the Twins or Vikings or whatever sport was on at that time.  She was full of life and was a friend to everyone she came in contact with.  The neighborhood will feel empty without her.  I am happy that she is now reunited with Chuck, and I hope they are celebrating being together once again.  We will miss you dearly Bessie.


 


Stephanie Affeldt

Brenda and family I am so sorry for the passing of Bessie. I was hoping and praying she would make it. She was a special lady and dear friend. 

So so sorry to hear of your loss.  I knew Bessie for years whether it was airline scheduling, bowling, or camping at Money Creek.  Sympathy to your family from our Ludescher family.

Sending lots of love and prayers to the entire family. April is my best friend, and we lost our grandpas within the same year(2016), and now we are losing our grandmothers in 2024 just weeks apart. I saw a quote that said 'Grief is just the love you want to give, but cannot.' and that has stuck with me since my grandma's passing. I want to love her and squeeze her, but I can't. So, I hug and squeeze myself. I know you all wish you were able to hug Bessie right now, so hug and squeeze yourself and know she is with you. Grandma Bessie, we will miss you but I thank God for bringing you home in His arms! 


Love you all,


Mackenzie Smith

My condolences on Bessies passing.  In recent years, I have enjoyed being in touch online and was wondering about her because I have not recieved one of her messages recently.  She always had strong opinions and commented on my recent travels.  My cousin list is getting shorter. 

I am so very sorry to hear about Bess…She was one in a million, besides being a great mother, she was a good person.  We will all miss her, hugs to all of you.  Candy Schmidt

Dear Brian, Brenda & families, 


Bess was a very special friend to us; we just had lunch with her a couple weeks ago.  We had so many fun times with Bess & Chuck & you “kids”, too—so many UNO games!  We will miss your mom & the lunches & fun conversations.  Sending condolences & hugs to you all; may Bess Rest In Peace; she will always have a place in our hearts.


Barb Metcalf & Peggy Sapp