Connie S. Rucker, 80, of Galesburg, died at 12:38 p.m. Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Seminary Manor.
She was born August 2, 1945, at Galesburg Cottage Hospital, the daughter of L. Clark and Vera M. (Randall) White. She married Dale K. Rucker on November 1, 1969, at the First Christian Church in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on July 13, 2010, after nearly 41 years of marriage.
She is survived by daughters, Shelley (Rob) Burn of Peoria, Illinois and Stacey Rucker, Galesburg; and grandchildren, Lauren Burn and Logan Burn. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother, Edward C. White on May 24, 2022.
Connie graduated from the Galesburg High School Class of 1963 and went on to attend Western Illinois University. She was employed at Illinois Camera Shop and Midwest Photo Service for many years. Connie was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Galesburg.
She was a lifetime St. Louis Cardinals fan. She was proud to have her name on a brick paver at the Stadium’s Stan Musial Plaza. She was also a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Connie enjoyed watching baseball, visiting Branson, reading, going to movies, listening to music, and writing notes to family and friends. She will be remembered for her quick wit, her sense of humor, being a good listener, her generosity, and having a loving personality. She will be missed tremendously by family and friends.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Dr. Joshua A. Croland and staff, OSF facilities, Illinois CancerCare, and Seminary Manor for their excellent care and compassion.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at the funeral home. Rev. Michael Schmidt will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sandburg Foundation to support future nursing students. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
