Teruko Rucks

RUCKS, TERUKO N., age 90, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 5, in Vestavia Hills, AL, after a brief illness.

She was preceded in death by Richard Rucks, her beloved husband of 57 years. Also preceding her in death were her parents Hiroshi and Suma Nakakura; her mother- and father-in-law, Edna and William Rucks; and her sisters Masako Berry and Syoko Kuwakami.

Teruko is survived by her sister and brothers in Japan, Michiko Ura, Takara Nakakura, and Shuhei Nakakura; her sister-in-law, Jeanette Hobbs of Robertsdale, AL; and her children, Teresa (Barry) Brooks, Harry (Tracey) Rucks, and Robin Chambers. A native of Sasebo, Japan, Teruko was affectionately known as "Bachan" to her eight granddaughters: Angie (Bryan) Simon, Haley Brooks, Mandy (Ace) Duncan, Ally (Andy) Bishop, Hannah (Andy) Estes, Ellen (Matt) Lathrop, Claudia (David) Flynn, and Layne Rucks. She also loved her great-grandchildren: Drew, Disney, Abbi, and Brit Simon; Maggie Duncan; Aaron and Andrew Bishop; Billy and Everett Lathrop; and Darcy Flynn. She is also survived by nieces and nephews here in the US as well as in Japan.

Teruko met and married Richard while he was in the Army and stationed in Sasebo. They moved to Alabama in 1956 and she proudly became a US citizen. Teruko was a devoted wife and mother and loved to garden, cook, sew, and paint. An incredibly hard worker, Teruko could do anything and do it well. Although many of her long-time friends have gone before her, they and their families would remember her many acts of kindness and service.

Teruko was an active member of Ruhama Baptist Church when it was located in East Lake, and enjoyed caring for the preschool children during Sunday services.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to Candice, Gwen, and everyone involved in her care.

A service will be held at Jefferson Memorial East in Trussville, AL, on Friday, April 12. Visitation is scheduled for 11:00 am until 12:00 noon followed by a chapel service at 12:00 noon with burial to follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East.