COLUMBIA CITY – William “Eddie” Edward Ruckman, 62, of South Whitley, passed away at 5:43 p.m. Oct. 17, 2012, in his residence. He was born Jan. 1, 1950, in Fort Wayne, to Ford Edgar and Mary Francis Adams Ruckman. On Aug. 16, 1980, in Larwill, he married Lucretia “Lucy” Francine Grant-Stephens, who survives. A lifetime Whitley County resident, he attended Larwill High School. He lived in rural South Whitley for 18 years and South Whitley for 18 years. He worked at Dale McClain Construction and drove truck for Dickerhoff Trucking and Pierceton Trucking. He also worked 25 years at Aarco Trucking, Wisconsin Dells. He was a member of AmVets Post 2919, South Whitley. In his spare time, he was a John Deere toy collector and attended car shows. Also surviving are five children: Tammy L. (and spouse Rod) Huston and Amy M. (and spouse Jonathon) Strack, all of Columbia City; Jill I. (and spouse Nathan) Arnold and Beth A. (and spouse Matt) Slusher, all of South Whitley; and Gearl K. (and spouse Kate) Stephens, Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four sisters: Norma (and spouse Jack) Jerraid, Fort Wayne; Corrine “Bunny” (and spouse Delbert) Vetor, Bourbon; Dianne (and spouse Mickey) Zumbrun, Columbia City; and Andrea (and spouse Merle) Anderson, Larwill; and two brothers, Donald B. “Brad” (and spouse Teah) Ruckman, Pierceton, and Roger (and spouse Lin) Johnson, La Mesa, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Ruckman. A graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at South Whitley Cemetery officiated by Pastor John B. Lowe of New Life Christian Church and World Outreach The family would like to invite all his friends and family to his residence following the service for a celebration of life. DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City, is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be given to Northeast Indiana Cancer Services. Condolences may be sent via www.demoneygrimes.com
