Marie Rucker (Tulia)

Tulia, Texas--Marie Hutto Rucker, 76, passed away from this life, peacefully, at her daughter’s home on October 17, 2016. After a long battle of cancer for the past 15 years, Jesus called her home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, October 22, 2016 in the First Baptist Church with Rev. Curtis House officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia. A visitation will be held on Friday, October 21, 2016 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Marie was born on July 16, 1940 in Tulia to Lennis and Alma Hutto. In her childhood years, Marie, along with her older sister, Dolores, enjoyed playing with their neighborhood friends. Marie attended Tulia High School and was involved in many organizations, such as: FHA, Pep Squad, and Volleyball. Marie graduated from Tulia High School in 1959, and moved on to attend Draughon Business School in Lubbock, Texas. In August of 1961, Marie married Russell Rucker. They were blessed with two very hard-headed children, Ty Wayne Rucker and Jamie Lynn Rucker. Marie became interested in the judicial process while doing volunteer work at the old Development Center and working for MHMR for several years. She was secretary for the County Judges Jack Driskill, Leroy Saul and Jay Johnston. She was also on the Board of Directors for Driskill Halfway House. She was voted in to the Office of Justice of The Peace in 1988 and held office until 2006. Marie loved and served her community, until her last days. Marie was the perfect example of a strong woman, leading her community. She was honest, fair and kind, and if you asked her opinion, you were going to get the honest answer, without sugar coating it! Marie loved marrying people. In fact, we lost track of how many people she married. She loved performing marriage ceremonies and seeing true happiness and love conquer all. During her time as Justice of the Peace, she also held the offices of Secretary-Treasury and President of The West Texas Justices of the Peace Constable Association of Texas and WTJPCA Sweetheart for 2004-2005. Marie’s family, friends, and the whole Tulia Community will miss her deeply. She had the biggest heart and was one of those rare people who could somehow make everyone feel like they were her favorite person in the room, no matter how many people were in the room. Marie was preceded in death by her father, Lennis Hutto, mother, Alma Hutto, and son, Ty Rucker. She was survived by her daughter, Jamie Skaggs and husband, Cary of Amarillo, TX. Her sister, Dolores Carruth, and husband, Burr, of Irving, TX. Four grand-daughters, Rachael Briant, and husband, Brett of Kingsland, TX; Sarah Rucker, of Kingsland, TX; Brystol and Hadlee Skaggs, of Amarillo, TX. Marie is also survived by Great-Grandsons, Braven, Maddox, and Parker Briant of Kingsland, TX; nephews Roger and Graham Carruth and Trent Morris; nieces Amy Burress and Susan McHone. As well as, her Sisters of the Heart, Linda Foster, of Claytonville, TX and, Gay Johnston, of Lubbock, TX. Memorials may be made to the Rose Hill Cemetery, PO Box 116, Tulia, Texas 79088. Online condolences may be made at www.kornerstonefunerals.com.