Blaine Rucker

Blaine Rucker 84 died July 9, 2025, at his Newton home. He was born June 3, 1941, in Dickens, Nebraska to Guy and Lula (Bruce) Rucker. He meet his wife, Hallie Hougland, on a blind date and married her 6 weeks later on September 18, 1960. They were looking forward to their 65th anniversary this year.

Blaine instilled loyalty, hard work and creativity in his career of more than 50 years with Pluswood Corporation.

He was a longtime member of First Missionary Church in Newton. He served as a deacon and was a member of the building committee where he was instrumental in the expansion of the church building and grounds.

As an avid sportsman, he loved fishing, hunting, baseball and bowling with family and friends—he once bowled a perfect 300. Golf was his favorite sport and he loved playing with his friends and watching his grandkids compete. In addition to two “hole-in-one’s” in his lifetime, he was on the winning team at his 7th annual tournament, the Waldo, this year.

His greatest joy was his family, he looked forward to spending time with his wife, kids, grandkids and friends.

Blaine is survived by his wife Hallie; son Russell Rucker; daughters: Jeanie Fuller; Gail (Larry) Jackson; Joanie (Doug) Pauls; brother Doug Rucker; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Mary Ellen and great grandson Ezra.

Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, July 17, 2025, at First Missionary Church in Newton with Pastor Ray Adams, officiant. Burial will follow in the First Missionary Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Petersen Funeral Home the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Memorials may be made to First Missionary Church and left in care of the funeral home.