Jo Anne (Judy) Duvall Rucker, 91, died July 5, 2023, in Plano, Texas, after a life well lived. Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Prosper United Methodist Church, Prosper, Texas.
Judy was born Sept 12, 1931, in rural Nolan County, Texas, to Earl and Ruth (Williams) Duvall. She was the youngest of seven children. Her father was a farmer/rancher and Judy’s brothers followed in his footsteps. Judy spent plenty of time in the fields also and remained close to the farming community throughout her life.
Judy graduated from Roscoe High School in 1949, and McMurry College in 1953. She met her husband, James (Lloyd) Rucker, at McMurry in 1952. They wed on June 26, 1953, and settled in Abilene, Texas, before moving to San Angelo, Texas, with Lloyd’s job.
Judy was a devoted lifelong Methodist and active in United Methodist Women. In San Angelo, she attended Angelo Heights Methodist Church and later Sierra Vista UMC. She was also a member of Prosper UMC.
In San Angelo, they raised three daughters and their lives revolved around their children, their church and family friends. After all the girls graduated and left home, Judy and Lloyd left San Angelo and moved to North Texas, eventually settling in Prosper in 1987.
Judy was a life-long educator. After many years in the classroom, she returned to school and earned her Masters in Education and Masters in Administration and later became principal of Prosper K-6th grade. While serving as principal, the need arose for a stand-alone elementary school and she was heavily involved in the design and construction of the new campus. As Prosper grew, there was a need for additional elementary schools. As schools were added, they were named for individuals in recognition of their contributions to education and community growth. Prosper Elementary was renamed Judy Rucker Elementary in 2005. Judy was also active in the Prosper Historical Society and the Prosper Economic Development Council.
Judy was preceded in death by husband, James (Lloyd) Rucker in June 2016, her parents, four brothers and two sisters. She is survived by her daughters, Carolyn Kelly of Silverdale, WA, Cindy Allen (Larry) of Abilene, TX, and Patti Overstreet (Doug) of Richardson, TX; grandchildren, Shawna (Michael) Tindal of Paulsbo, WA, Cole Overstreet of West Point, NY, and four great grandchildren.
The family would like to express their appreciation for Judy’s long-time caregiver, Celine Arefkia, the caregivers at Prestonwood Rehab and Nursing Center in Plano, TX, Archway Hospice, and her nieces Karen Freeman and Gwynn Rucker.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests donations be made to either the Prosper Education Foundation, or the Endowment Fund of Prosper United Methodist Church.