Donna Ruckman-Nave

I anticipate a joyful reunion with my parents, Walter C. "Bud" Ruckman and Emily F. Waters Ruckman Brinkley; brother, Charles A. Ruckman; stepfather, Jack Brinkley, great-grandson Brady Alan Beshear, and a host of other relatives and friends who preceded me.

I leave behind those nearest and dearest to my heart, including my husband of 19 years, Claude Nave; children Krista Beshear and Todd (Tami) Beshear; grandchildren Jacob Beshear, Avery Gardner, Della Gardner, and Katherine Beshear; great-grandchildren Easton Beshear, Karsyn Gardner, Karlie Pierce, Natallen Rye, and Tanner Rye; sister Anita Layton; sister-in-law Linda Ruckman; nephews Ryan Meyer and Than Meyer; step-nephew Randy Jones; stepdaughters Teresa (Greg) Raben and Karen (Lee) Roos; stepsons Trevor (Tracy), Wade, and Shawn from a previous marriage; stepgrandchildren Katie Wrobel, Kodey Snyder, Kylie Jones, Chloe Riecken, Stella Raben, Irie Squires, and Kennedy Roos; Stepsisters Jill Brinkley and Janet (John) Mominee; several cousins and close friends. You all were tremendous blessings to me.

I lived my entire life in Evansville, IN, except for the nine months I resided in Kitzingen, Germany, followed by ten months in Fort Smith, AR. I am a proud member of the first class to attend all four years of the then new North High School, from where I graduated in 1960. Later, as an experiment, University of Evansville waived all undergraduate requirements and allowed me to enroll directly into graduate school. I completed my M.A. degree in 1983 and was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi honor society. My work life was quite fulfilling, as I always had jobs I loved. Over the years, I held positions at Sunbeam Plastics, Mead Johnson & Co., Clearview Hospital, and Welborn Hospital. For over 32 years, I worked for and with Dr. W.D. Snively, Jr., who was my mentor and dear friend. It was he who introduced me to medical writing, which evolved into a lengthy career in which I authored or co-authored numerous medical textbooks and journal articles, among other works. After Dr. Snively passed, I did some ghostwriting and worked at Casino Aztar, Experience Works Staffing Service, and Indiana Downs OTB, from where I retired in 2011.

In my leisure time, I enjoyed bowling, playing cards (especially Clabber), visiting casinos, parties, traveling, dining out, and spending time with my family and friends. Overall, I had a happy, blessed life, for which I am grateful.

So long, Dear Ones, until we meet again.

The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice to the staff who cared for her, they went above and beyond the family’s expectations.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Road, Evansville, IN 47711. Family and friends may visit Tuesday from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Condolences may be offered at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.