Carole Joyce Ruck

Carole Joyce Ruck (née Weber), 94, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, Granna, great-Granna, and aunt, passed away on November 21, 2025. She was born in St. Louis County, Missouri, on October 29, 1931, to Joseph and Hazel Weber. Carole and her siblings—Shirley, Brenda, and Howard—traveled across the United States as their father followed construction work. After graduating from high school, she began her career with Sporlan Valve Company.

Carole met the love of her life, Kenneth Ruck, after being set up at “Art’s,” a favorite local hangout. The two were married in 1952 at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Manchester, Missouri—becoming the first couple wed in the church’s new sanctuary. Their wedding day came with its own adventures, including a locked-up dress and an ill-timed car washing by her father that made Carole so late the minister wondered aloud if she was still coming.

Carole and Ken built a joyful life together and welcomed two children, Kimberlee and Michael. Carole devoted herself to raising her family while working various jobs over the years. One of her most memorable roles was singing soprano for services at Schrader Funeral Home—her clear, powerful voice easily filling the chapel without a microphone.

Ken’s career later took the family from St. Louis to Beaumont and then Houston. Carole began working at Johnson Supply in Beaumont and continued with the company as an expediter of HVAC equipment in Houston, where she eventually retired. She proudly watched her children graduate from college—one a Longhorn, the other an Aggie. Even after being diagnosed with MS at age 52, Carole’s resilience and determination never wavered; she simply found new ways to adapt and keep living life fully.

Carole and Ken shared many adventures, traveling to Fiji, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and visiting 49 of the 50 states. She cherished the arrival of her two grandchildren, Amanda and Christopher, creating a cozy room in their home complete with mermaid sheets, stuffed animals, and a VCR always ready to record their favorite cartoons. In 1994, Carole and Ken moved to the Dallas–Fort Worth area to be closer to them. When each grandchild turned twelve, they took them on a two-week trip to explore different parts of the country—memories still treasured today. No matter the event—dance recitals, choir concerts, plays, or show choir performances—if the grandchildren were involved, Carole and Ken were in the audience. She was immensely proud to watch them graduate from college.

Carole is survived by her daughter Kimberlee Harris (Michael); her son Michael Ruck (Maryann); her granddaughter Amanda Beatty (Austin); her grandson Christopher Harris (Casey); her great-grandchildren Logan and Evie; and several beloved nieces and nephews.