Rita Ann Ruckel

Rita A. (Schnurr) Ruckel, 94, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February
6, 2024, at her home. Her family surrounded her with love and comfort as
she made her transition to heaven.
Rita was born in Fort Wayne and was a member of Our Lady of Good
Hope Catholic Church.
Rita was a graduate of Central Catholic High School. She met her future
husband, Robert C. Ruckel, at Lincoln Bank in Fort Wayne. They were
married in 1949. They lived in Miami, Florida for a short time as
newlyweds and then spent the rest of their married life in Fort Wayne. Rita
was a busy wife and mother, raising five children. She enjoyed
volunteering at St. Anne’s Nursing Home, Our Lady of Good Hope Catholic
Church, The Christ Child Society, and The Old Fort Settlers. Her hobbies
included gardening, bird watching, photography, baking delicious pies,
sewing, and quilting. She loved playing games, especially Mexican Train.
She held a variety of jobs through the years and was appreciated for being
hard-working and dependable.
Rita made friends wherever she went. She lived for many years in River
Bend Bluffs and created wonderful memories with her friends and
neighbors. When it was time to move to a new place, she embraced her
new home at Georgetowne Place. For two and a half years, she enjoyed
new friendships and taking advantage of all the activities Georgetowne
had to offer. Rita’s family would especially like to acknowledge the
incredible Georgetowne staff, who create a family atmosphere for their
residents. A special thanks to Jama Rogers for all the support and love
she gave to Mom. We also want to express our gratitude to the Heartland
Hospice staff, who provided Mom with loving care.
Rita was preceded in death by her husband Robert Ruckel; parents
Joseph and Bessie Schnurr; sisters, Catherine McDonald, Dorine Fabian,
and Mary Ellen Hyndman, and brother Joseph Schnurr.
Rita’s pride and joy was her family. Rita is survived by her children:
Connie (Jeff) Glassley, Julie (Michael) Ottenweller, Barbara (John)
Magsamen, Charles (Lori) Ruckel, and James (Krista) Ruckel. She has 14
grandchildren: Ryan (Jes) Ottenweller, David (Melissa) Ottenweller, Emily
(Tony) Rondot, Lauren (Tony) Didier, Jason (Katie) Glassley, Adam Glassley,
Matt (Morgan) Glassley, Whitney Ruckel, Hannah (Scott) Hartman, Shane
(Michelle) Ruckel, Ben (Kara) Magsamen, Abbi (Ryan) Heater, Luke (Sarah)
Magsamen, and Olivia Ruckel. Her large and beloved family also included
24 great-grandchildren. Her “Greats” are: Jackson, Emma, Tillie and
Simon Glassley, Matthew, Liam, and Nolan Ottenweller, Lucas, Claire and
Parks Ottenweller, James, Adam, and Willie Rondot, Maggie, Jack and
Gwen Didier, Crosley Hartman, Harper Ruckel, Kinley, Maverick and Beau
Magsamen, Laiken, Thompson, and Marlowe Heater. Three new babies
are joining the family this spring. Her nieces and nephews held a special
place in her heart: Carol, Patty, Jeanne, Mo, John, Rhonda, Sherry, Mike,
Kathy, Lisa and Tom. What a blessing family is!
Visitation will be held on Monday February 12, 2024 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort
Wayne, Indiana. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Good Hope
Catholic Church 7215 St. Joe Rd. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.
with calling one hour before. Burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery at a
later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Guide Dog
Foundation, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen, or
Heartland Hospice. To sign the online guest book, go to
www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com