William Eugene Ruckman

Bill was the third of five children born to Morris and Alice (Anderson) Ruckman in Steamboat Springs, CO on May 5, 1935. Bill began attending school in Meeker, CO but the family soon relocated to Grand Junction, CO where he completed his high school education. Summers spent working on his Uncle's ranch in Meeker resulted in some of his most fond childhood memories as well as fostering a life-long love of horses, milk cows and dogs. Bill attended Mesa College for a short time before he was drafted into the Army where he served for two years in Germany. Upon his return, he went to work for the DNRG Railroad and shortly after met his future bride Oleta (Oaks) Johnson. The two were married on June 16, 1961. Bill returned to Mesa College to pursue a degree in electrical engineering, later transferring to CSU to finish his degree. Soon realizing this was not a good fit for his young family, Bill and Oleta moved from Fort Collins, CO to Golden, CO where he began his electrical apprenticeship at Adolph Coors. He worked at Coors for about 10 years. When the Denver area was no longer a place they wanted to raise their family of four young children, Bill and Oleta embarked on the first of many adventures. Sight unseen, they relocated to a piece of property on top of Bozeman Pass, exactly half way between Bozeman and Livingston Montana. Many cherished memories were made on what Bill lovingly referred to as "Mud Mountain". Eventually returning to Colorado, the family moved to Craig where Bill worked as an electrician for Colorado Ute's newly built power plant. Due to a shortage of housing in town, Bill and Oleta landed in Maybell, CO where they later became the proprietors of the Maybell Store. At this time, horses and rodeo became a big part of the family's life. Bill spent countless hours at the old Maybell arena, coaching and mentoring many young ropers and barrel racers. After selling the store, Bill continued working as an electrician in and around the Craig area for the remainder of his career. Always putting his family first, he was closely connected not only to his children, but his grandchildren as well. When he finally retired at the age of 72 years (young), Bill and Oleta spent ten years in Fruita, CO before moving to Orchard Mesa to be closer now to their great-grandchildren. In 2022 the couple returned to Craig once again. Bill rarely missed Sunday morning Meeting at the Kingdom Hall with Oleta, and he thoroughly enjoyed watching football or old cowboy movies in the afternoon while sneaking peanuts to his dogs.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years Oleta; his children Darshann Ruckman; Terresa (Bruce) White; Stacey (Butch) Behrman; Todd (Keri) Ruckman; his grandchildren Ely White; Layne (Darlene) Behrman; Bailey (Luke) Basham; his great-grandchildren Rhett Behrman; Case Basham; Kinlee Behrman; brothers Albert (Sheila) Ruckman; Gary (Nancy) Ruckman along with many nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

Bill will be deeply missed, but his hard work, honesty, humor and love of life will forever inspire all those who knew him. At Bill's request, no services will be held.