WILLIAM "EDDIE" RUCKMAN

William "Eddie" Edward Ruckman, age 62, of South Whitley, IN, passed away at 5:43 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2012 at his home.Born January 1, 1950 in Fort Wayne, IN, he was the son of Ford Edgar and Mary Francis (Adams) Ruckman.

A lifetime Whitley County resident, he attended Larwill High School.For 18 years he lived in rural South Whitley and he lived in the town of South Whitley for 18 years. On August 16, 1980, he married Lucretia "Lucy" Francine Grant-Stephens in Larwill. He worked at Dale McClain Construction, drove truck for Dickerhoff Trucking and Pierceton Trucking. He also worked 25 years for Aarco Trucking, Wisconsin Dells. He was a member of AmVets Post #2919, South Whitley. In his spare time, he was a John Deer Toy collector and he attended cars shows.

Survivors include his wife, Lucretia 'Lucy" Francine Ruckman of South Whitley; 5 children, Tammy L. (Rod) Huston of Columbia City; Jill I. (Nathan) Arnold of South Whitley; Gearl K. (Kate) Stephens of Indianapolis; Beth A. (Matt) Slusher of South Whitley; Amy M. (Jonathon) Strack of Columbia City; 11 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 4 sisters, Norma (Jack) Jerraid of Fort Wayne; Corrine "Bunny" (Delbert) Vetor of Bourbon; Dianne (Mickey) Zumbrun of Columbia City; Andrea (Merle) Anderson of Larwill; 2 brothers, Donald B. "Brad" (Teah) Ruckman of Pierceton; Roger (Lin) Johnson of La Mesa, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Ruckman.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 27, 2012 at South Whitley Cemetery with Pastor John B. Lowe of New Life Christian Church and World Outreach officiating.Eddie's family would like to invite all his friends and family back to his home immediately following his graveside service for a Celebration of Life Luncheon. Memorial gifts may be given in Mr. Ruckman's memory to Northeast Indiana Cancer Services. Please visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send family condolences or sign the guest register book. Arrangements were entrusted to DeMoney-Grimes Countryside Park Funeral Home, Columbia City.