Edward N. Rucker

RUCKER - Edward N. Rucker, 71, passed away April 16, 2009 in Albuquerque, NM. He was born January 9, 1938 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Charles and Mary (Kosinski) Rucker. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Leo parish in Detroit, Michigan. Edward served in the Michigan National Guard and during his later Army service completed jump school at Fort Benning, GA. He served with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC and with the 11th Airborne Division at Fort Sheridan, Germany. After his Army service, he worked for American Standard in Detroit while completing his bachelor's degree at Wayne State University. He had a life long love of and appreciation for the arts and was a painter, musician, photographer and most recently began studying religious woodcarving in the Santos style in Albuquerque, NM. He had a long and successful career as a mental health and drug rehabilitation counselor in Michigan and Arizona where he completed a master's degree in counseling at Northern Arizona University. He is survived by his wife, Candi Rucker, his children, Charles Rucker of Houston, Tx, Nina Ulrich and husband Steven of Cave Creek, AZ, Andrea Rucker of Delaware, Olivia Rucker of Rio Rancho, NM and his stepdaughter, Beth Anne Gray and husband John of Mesa, AZ, as well as five grandchildren Michael, Maddison, John, Crystal and Tyman. The family requests that in lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local mental health/drug rehabilitation charity. Funeral Services have been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124 (505) 891-9192