Rita RUCKLE

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RUCKLE: Rita Carmel Ruckle passed away on July 1, 2010 at the BrandonRegional Health Centre with her family at her side. She was born May 28, 1930 in Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Garrett and Mary Ann Murphy. She attendedHoly Redeemer (Girls) school and after her school years helped in her parents corner store. Rita then went to work in a men's clothing store at the Pier. Later on the family moved to South Bar. Rita got the urge to travel to Manitoba where she found employment in a clothing store. Later she returned home to help with her ailing father. In 1958, she returned to Brandon and met her husband to be, Ron Ruckle, and they were married on December 26, 1958. In 1959, she and Ron moved to Flin Flon for the next eleven years. It was there where her two sons were born. While there, sheloved to skate, meeting a lot of other skaters. She met Bobby Clarke and his mother at skating sessions. Rita was diagnosed with diabetes in 1963. In 1967, she helped fifteen year old Bobby when he was diagnosed with his illness. He went on to play many years with the Philadelphia Flyers. She also loved knitting and crocheting and never missed a hockey game, especially the Flyers. She loved to travel, going south to Arizona for the winters and to Alaska in 2005. Also visiting family in B.C. and back home to Cape Breton until her health started to fail. Rita was predeceased by her mother, father, sister Eileen, nephew Gary and brother-in-law Derrick Tatlock. She is survived by her husband Ron; sons David (Maire) and Kevin (June); her sisters Cecilia and Sister Mary Murphy. There are nieces, nephews and step grand and step great grandchildren, and her sister-in-law Reta Taillefer. A Memorial Gathering and fellowship was held at Memories Chapel on Wednesday, July 7, 2010. A private graveside service was held at Carberry Plains Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Unit B, 727 - 10th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 4G7 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2B7.Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangementswere with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.After GlowI would like the memory of meTo be a happy one,I'd like to leave an after glowOf smiles when life is done.I'd like to leave an echoWhispering softly down the ways,Of happy times and laughing timesAnd bright and sunny days.I'd like the tears of those who grieve,To dry before the sun,Of happy memoriesThat I leaveWhen my life is done.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 17, 2010