Velma Ruckman, age 91, formerly of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday, October 23, 2017, at Brighter Living Assisted Living in Hopewell, Virginia.

   Mrs. Ruckman was born on January 6, 1926, in Flora, the daughter of George and Ruth (Tackitt) Worlow.  She was united in marriage to Verlin O. Ruckman on January 15, 1944, in Chicago, and together they shared 49 years of marriage.  He passed away on March 2, 1993.  She was a housewife and also helped in running her husband’s beauty salon in Champaign for several years.  She was a member of the First Christian Church, Flora, and the Win-A-Couple Sunday School Class of the church. 

   Surviving is her daughter: Shirley Rigby (husband Robert) of North Prince George, VA; four grandchildren: Stephen Rigby of Colonial Heights, VA, Matthew Rigby of Richmond, VA, Teresa (Halsey) Grueter (husband Dr. Chad) of Coralville, IA, and Kevin Halsey (wife Hillary) of Tamaroa; and three great-grandchildren: Madelyn Michelle, Emelia Halsey and Tyler William Grueter. 

   She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter and son-in-law: Karen and C.L. Halsey; and a sister: Blondee Dow Blakley.

   A funeral service for Velma Ruckman will be 11 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Oskaloosa Cemetery.  A visitation will be held Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorial donations may be given to Clay County Cancer Crusaders or At Home Care Hospice of Richmond, VA.