Shirley Rucki

Shirley Anne Rucki, 88, passed away peacefully in her home with family and close friends present on Saturday, April 4^th, after a lengthy illness. She resided with husband Anthony “Tony” Rucki, the love of her life, in Sheridan, Wyoming, where she taught many children, lived and loved, …and was loved by so many.

Shirley’s life was like a meandering stream with its ins, and its outs, deep and shallow, and with occasional rapids – where just around the corner was always another great fishing hole! She looked to the future, yet cherished the past, and was so looking forward to seeing the Lord, her mom, and family and friends in heaven. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints since 1952 and enjoyed attending the Temple in Billings with friends often.

Shirley was born in the country near Basin, Wyoming in 1931, with no doctor attending, to Marie and Herbert Newton Mills. She dearly loved Sheridan and the Big Horn Mountains, especially fishing. Her long life included much of her enthusiasm for life dedicated to her family, and especially teaching children. She started teaching at the age of 18 and taught professionally for 38 years, then continued as a volunteer for many more. She so loved the children and has touched the lives of many. She was proud of attaining the BA in education through summer school at UW and accomplished many hours past a Master’s degree in Education. She enjoyed intellectual conversations with her friends and in her clubs, enjoyed many fast-moving sports in her life (darn good at it!), and was an avid Wyoming Cowboys and Denver Broncos fan.

Those who cherished her included many. She is survived by her husband, Tony Rucki, her daughter Debbie (Russ) Slivka, son Brent (Audrey) Olsen and youngest son Randall (Lynn) Olsen. She has numerous grand and great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by all of her 8 siblings. She will be greatly missed.

“Gone Fishin!” – Until we meet again…

Donations on her behalf can be sent to Sheridan Hospice of the Big Horns, P.O. Box 391, Sheridan, WY 82801 if desired, as she so loved her team.

A Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com. Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.