Obituaries
Tony Rucki
Published
3 years agoon
Anthony “Tony” Rucki passed away peacefully in his sleep at the VA on December 21st, 2021, after a lengthy illness. He was 84 years old and told us all that he had a very good life!
Grieving is for the living… and as we celebrate his life, we also know we will miss Tony. The good news is Tony and Shirley, his wife of over 40 years, are together again, in heaven, and Tony is very happy about that. He was so looking forward to that reunion and was even hearing his dogs barking recently too! He said he was ready to go and leaves many, many family members and friends behind.
Tony was born September 21, 1937 in Sheridan, Wyoming and lived here his whole life. He joined the Army in January 1956 and served in Iceland as a paratrooper. Tony worked for Husman’s construction for many years and was a co-owner of Sheridan Seed. He enjoyed dancing, was an avid rancher, and a long-time member of the LDS Church. He was a kind and uplifting friend and step-father, and was generous to many. We will surely miss him.
Tony was a character… to say the least. He was always joking and telling stories, even in the VA these past two weeks. We’ve never met anyone quite like him. His generosity is likely his greatest quality, and he indeed helped so many of us. Mary, his nurse at the VA, said he had a grin on his face when he passed on, sort of like he was ready to tell another joke! Yes, he laughed at his own jokes too!!
Tony was born to Frank and Helen Rucki, of Sheridan, and was a big collector – from his Model A Ford to bronze wildlife statues by a local artist, and everything in between!
He is survived by his brother, Oscar Rucki, sister Jeanie Bettcher, brother in-law Ralph Cole and his step-kids Debra Slivka, Brent Olsen, and Randy Olsen. He has numerous nephews and nieces as well as grandchildren. Tony was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirley (Mills-Olsen) Rucki, and brother Robert (Sonny) Rucki, as well as his sisters Mary Pinder and Irene Cole.
He told many of us he was ready to go, not to grieve for him, and remember that he had a very good life. We will certainly remember! Godspeed Tony, we love you, and until we see you again…
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.
JEANIE BETTCHER
December 23, 2021 at 4:35 pm
Tony was a brother who only saw good. Love you brother
Connie
December 23, 2021 at 5:33 pm
Toni….You were one of a kind! You now know how much you were loved by so many of us! We’re gunna miss you but will see you again! Until then, hold down the fort! Heaven has jobs waiting and we all know you’re there to help. We love you, cuz!
Shelly Newton
December 24, 2021 at 10:54 am
He was a wonderful human being.
Nancy Miles
December 26, 2021 at 1:04 pm
Tony was really fun to be around and was always happy to see you. He loved life, family and friends He was loved by many and missed by many.
Cindy Marshall (Oliver)
December 27, 2021 at 10:02 am
Im so sorry for your lose Jeanie and Oscar. Tony was a great guy. Hes now doing the Polka with your Mom, Dad, Sonny, Mary, Irene, Shirley and Mom. He will be missed.
JEANIE BETTCHER
December 27, 2021 at 2:24 pm
Thank you all for the sweet and thoughtful comments Yep, I miss him more and more
Linda Hall
December 28, 2021 at 12:42 pm
Oscar and Jeannie, so sorry for your loss. His joke telling will be missed by all.
Mary Norskog
December 29, 2021 at 10:06 am
Thank you, Randy, for posting! I loved Tony and Shirley for most of my life they were were good friends of my parents and good to me and my kids. I remember Tony being in the mountains with Shirley. Playing cards and having the 4th of July picnics were always fun! I will miss Tony smile and whit! I am so glad we got to visit last summer. Thank God for the caregivers that helped them stay at home and be taken care of! Huggs to you all!
Margie Snedden Elkins
December 29, 2021 at 7:39 pm
I was a bridesmaid in Shirley and Tony’s wedding !
I was a dear friend of Shirley’s as a teacher at Linden School! I
I know She was so happy to marry Tony and they had a
Great life together! R.I. P. Tony!
Mary Alice Caldwell
January 17, 2022 at 11:40 am
So sad to hear of Tony’s passing. He and were good friends. They always welcomed me into their home when I visited Sheridan, and I know how much they both did for others. More than people knew because neither ever put themselves forward. It is good to know Tony had good care and was happy with those around him at the end. I know how much he loved his family and his friends. Sympathy and Blessings to all.