Ellie Rucker

Ellie Rucker (Eleanor Ann Brown), noted newspaper columnist, is now in the loving arms of her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. She was born to Ruth and Theodore R. Brown June 2, 1936 and went to Heaven, dying peacefully of natural causes, Tuesday, September 17, 2013 surrounded by her three loving daughters.Ellie Rucker wrote a consumer question-and-answer column for the Austin American-Statesman in Austin, Texas from 1977-1992. Prior to that she wrote a similar column for the Abilene Reporter-News in Abilene, Texas where her journalism career began. Her column in the American-Statesman was widely read. She held the distinction of writing the column with the highest readership in the newspaper, and she thoroughly enjoyed her job and the readers who loyally followed her. She was often approached in the grocery store with a question from one of her fans. She might not have the answer instantly, but she knew who to call. Southwest Woman Magazine described her as "the most popular columnist to ever grace the pages of the American-Statesman". She also wrote a restaurant recipe column for the food section, a unique column where readers request recipes of items they've tried at favorite restaurants around town. When she began writing the column it was the first and only of its kind.

Ellie attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois and Baylor University in Waco. Less than three years after she moved to Austin she was named Woman of the Year by the Austin Toastmistress Club in 1979. In 1981 the American Association of University Women named her one of their Women of the Year and she was also named Woman of the Year by Women in Communication. In 1982 she was featured on the cover of Third Coast magazine, and was also featured in other Austin based publications. Ellie published her first book in 1980, "Ellie Rucker's Almanac - Where to Buy a Concrete Armadillo and Other Pertinent Information". The book is a collection of questions her readers had asked about Austin, ants, airhorns (where to get one that plays "The Eyes of Texas"), repair services, fix-it places, where to find parts to old cars, sewing machines and calculators, what to do when you get ripped off, how to get your rebate you've been promised on the food processor you just bought, tips on Austin etiquette for new Yankees ("Do you give a gift of money when you're invited to a wedding tea in Texas?"). It was a mixture of her most frequently asked questions as well as some of her favorites, and some that were just so bizarre she couldn't resist printing them once again. In Austin, Ellie volunteered at Brackenridge Hospital, served on various boards such as the Anti-Litter Task Force, Lady Bird Johnson's Wildflower Task Force, Seton Hospital's League House, and was a member of the Junior League of Austin. Ellie enjoyed traveling the world including an African Safari, a ride on the Orient Express, a visit to St. Petersburg, and touring the French countryside searching for antiques with her three daughters. After retiring to San Antonio she enjoyed her time and friendships as a docent at the McNay Art Museum, and felt a special calling to volunteer with her beloved wounded warriors at the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC) at Fort Sam Houston. Ellie was predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Theodore Brown, and her brother Charles. She is survived by her brothers Ted and Jim of Albuquerque, her loving daughters, Julie Bradshaw and her husband Bill; Allison Fannin and her husband Michael; Renee Davis and her husband Scott; and her eight grandchildren Bill and Matt Bradshaw, Drew, Reed, Kelsey, and "T" Davis, Jack and Reese Fannin. All will miss her loving, energetic, peppy, vivacious, vibrant and funny personality. She had the unique ability to make each one feel special and they adored her. The family is most appreciative of the care provided by the doctors, nurses and staff of Northeast Baptist Hospital.

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His uniquely born Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

A Visitation will be held at Porter Loring Mortuary North on Loop 1604 East, Friday, September 20, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

SATURDAY

SEPTEMBER 21, 2013

2:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

2102 N.LOOP 1604 EAST @ GOLD CANYON ROAD

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78232

The memorial service will be officiated by Ellie's two loving son in-laws, Dr. Bill Bradshaw and Scott Davis. There will be no graveside services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Warrior and Family Support Center (WFSC) at Fort Sam Houston, 3138 Rawley E. Chambers, San Antonio, Texas 78219.