Ratree (Chaimunin) Rucker

Ratree Rucker, of Montevideo, died on Saturday, September 28, 2002 at the Fairview-University Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 57.

Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Wednesday, October 2, 2002 at 2:00 PM at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Montevideo with Fr. Jim Devorak the Celebrant.  Visitation will be Tuesday afternoon and evening, with the family from 6 - 8 PM and with a prayer service at 8:00 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home in Montevideo.

Ratree (Chaimunin) Rucker was born on August 27, 1945 at Prachin Buri, Thailand to Vejchayun and Aree Chaimunin.  Ratree (known by her friends as Pat) received her primary and secondary education at Assumption Suksa Convent School in Bangkok, graduating in 1963.  She attended Suan Sunandha Teachers College in Bankok, graduating in 1966.  Following her graduation, Pat taught secondary education at St. Josephs Parochial School in Rayong from 1966 - 1968.  From 1968 - 1976 she was employed by the U.S. Air Force at the 11th USAF Hospital on U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand.  Pat performed duties as secretary, receptionist, records manager, physician scheduler and translator.  It was here that she met Lt. Stephen Rucker, 11th USAF Hospital Squadron Commander, and was united in marriage to him on April 21, 1976 by Air Force Chaplain, Father Robert Borre’.  Pat & Steve were transferred to Ellsworth AFB, SD from 1977 - 1980.  Pat was active in the Officer Wive’s Club (OWC), involved in volunteer and morale activities as well as squadron support functions.  From 1980 - 1985 Pat and Steve were assigned to Kadena AFB, Okinawa.  During this time Pat was selected Base Family Services Volunteer of the quarter, worked in the OWC gift shop to raise funds for student scholarships and worked as a customer services representative at the Kadena Base exchange.  From 1985 - 1988 Pat and Steve were stationed at Clark AFB, Philippines, where Pat again worked in the OWC Gift Shop raising student scholarship funds.  She also worked closely with squadron families helping those who had little of no overseas experience adjust to unfamiliar circumstances.  From 1988 - 1993 Pat and Steve had their final assignment to Eglin AFB, Florida.  Pat continued her volunteer activities with the OWC, working in their thrift shop to raise scholarship funds, as well as supporting squadron morale activities.  From 1993 to the present, Pat and Steve retired from active Air Force duty and moved to Montevideo, where she was finally able to settle down and have a house of her own.  Pat enjoyed working on and decorating her home, tending her garden, caring for her cats and having time to pursue her hobbies and travel.  Throughout all the different Air Force assignments with their problems, hardships and difficulties, Pat was the inspiration and support for her husband in all things his life and duty required.  She was sweetness and light, bringing joy and love to every day.  She was the greatest gift anyone could ever be blessed with.

Pat is survived by her husband, Stephen Rucker; sister and brother-in-law, Pranee and Dana Workman; brother and sister-in-law, Samart and Sa-ard Chaimunin; father-in-law, Gale Rucker; brother-in-law and sister-in-law,  Randy and Julie Rucker; nephews: Ken Rucker, John Rucker, Tripop Chaimunin, and Jukvoot Chaimunin; nieces: Rebecca Dunehew, Angela Workman, Siriluk Chaimunin, Manita and Chalida Workman.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Vejchayun and Aree Chaimunin; one brother, Padet Chaimunin; and her mother-in-law, Genevieve Rucker.