Martha Ann Baker Rucker, 84, was born September 8, 1941, in Iredell County, North Carolina, and passed away June 1, 2026 at Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. Martha was deeply cherished—a gentle, compassionate presence whose hard work spoke quietly but clearly through a life spent caring for others, and whose humor could turn an ordinary moment into one worth remembering.
For many years, Martha worked as a housekeeper in long-term care nursing facilities. In that role, she did far more than keep things in order—she offered love and care to everyone around her, bringing dignity and warmth to the daily lives of others. Her kindness was steady, her spirit outgoing, and with Martha nearby there was truly never a dull moment.
Martha’s life was shaped by devotion to family. She was married for 52 years to her beloved husband, Hatchet Emmitt Rucker, who preceded her in death on December 21, 2018. Though that loss changed her world, Martha met it with resilience, pouring even more love into her family, her friends, and all who had the good fortune to be around her—especially her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy and were her reason for living.
A woman of the Baptist faith, Martha carried her beliefs with a quiet sincerity that showed up in the way she treated people: with gentleness, welcome, and an open heart. She never met a stranger, and her home and her presence had a way of making others feel like they belonged.
Martha loved to cook and was renowned for the biscuits she always seemed to have baking—comfort made real, shared freely. She also delighted in the simple pleasures that made her unmistakably herself: the color purple, Butterfingers, and chips—small favorites that her family will remember with tenderness and a smile.
Martha was preceded in death by her father, John Thomas Baker, Sr.; her mother, Ethel Carruth Baker; her husband, Hatchet Emmitt Rucker; her brother, John Thomas Baker, Jr.; and her sister, Marjaris Millsaps.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Virginia Baker of Statesville, North Carolina; her granddaughter, Nicole Rucker of Statesville; her grandsons, Joshua Keaton (Amanda) of Jackson, Mississippi, and Charles Belton Keaton, II of Reno, Nevada; her great-grandchildren, Cha'Quan, Edmyrion, Ny'rik, Ty'chon, Danielle, Elijah, Jeremiah; and her great-great grandchild, Ja'Sonii. Mrs. Rucker also leaves to cherish her memory four step-daughters, three step-sons, 12 step-grandchildren, 28 step-great grandchildren; and 24 step-great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends. Two very dear friends, Andy Reid and Shirley Hayden, also survive and will cherish her memory forever.
While there were many people who expressed care and concern for Martha, a very special person in the life of Martha and her entire family, Faye Mason is owed a very heartfelt message of gratitude and gratefulness for the care that she gave Martha. Words will never express the appreciation that Martha and her entire family felt.
Services will be held at Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home in Statesville on June 8, 2026. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, followed by a Homegoing Celebration in the Chapel of Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home beginning at 3:30 with Minister Martha Simpson officiating. Consuela Wilson and Broderick Simpson will be presenting the Scripture Readings and Jovan Miller, Latoya Rucker and DiNarii Mayfield will provide the musical selections. A service of committal will follow at Belmont Cemetery in Statesville where she will be laid to rest with her family and friends.
Martha’s legacy is one of care given freely, laughter shared often, and love that stayed constant. Those who knew her will remember a woman who worked hard, loved deeply, welcomed openly, and left behind a warmth that does not fade.
Words of sympathy and messages of condolences may be shared with the family, online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home of Statesville is honored to be entrusted with the care of Martha and her family.
