Bessie "Bess" L. Rucker – Rochester

Bessie "Bess" Louise Rucker, age 85, beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother of Rochester, MN transitioned peacefully joining her husband and family members in heaven on April 12, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Campus, St. Marys Campus surrounded by her family.

Bessie Marsh was born on September 30, 1938 in Stewartville, MN to Roy and Doris (Brown) Marsh. She graduated from Rochester High School in 1956. On September 2, 1960 she married Charles Howard Rucker in Rochester, MN and they had two children.

Bessie worked for Northwest Airlines, Rochester City Ticket Office @ The Kahler Hotel, as a ticket agent for 41 years. Her love of travel allowed her to explore Japan, England, Australia, Alaska and so many beautiful cities.  She shared her joy of travel with her children and together they created many cherished memories. When they weren't traveling, the family enjoyed their summers together camping.  She was an avid bowler during the winter months for many years.  As an avid sports fanatic, she held true to her MN Twins and Vikings, as well as enjoying her grandkids events.

She is survived by her children Brian (Brenda) Rucker, their children, Colin Rucker, Derek Rucker, and Emilie Rucker, of Pine Island, MN. Brenda (Kevin) Rasmussen of Rochester, MN.  Brenda's children, Charlie Myers and April Myers, and great grandchildren Jordan Bowdry and Kemarion Dolton, all of Rochester, MN.  Her brothers David (Marlene) Marsh of Rosemount, MN, Leroy Marsh of California City, CA, and sister Janelle (Kevin) Koch of Chatfield, MN, sister-in-laws Betty Marsh of Rochester, MN, and Lynne Marsh of Sioux City, IA, and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles Howard Rucker, brothers Lowell and Douglas Marsh and her sister-in-law Jo Marsh.

Bessie nurtured numerous friendships with neighbors, travel clients, and nearly all she met.  Throughout the years she enjoyed their company as well as her family, adored and loved by all, she will be greatly missed.

Her body was donated for research at the Mayo Clinic. Services are planned for a later date. Her remains will be interred at the Chatfield Cemetery, Chatfield, MN.

Details regarding a celebration of life has yet to be determined.

Memorials are preferred to Eagles Club 2228 Cancer Telethon/Research.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com