Bernice L. Ruck

Bernice L. Ruck, 100, formerly of Wapakoneta, OH, of Avon, OH since 2019, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday evening, March 11, 2023, at 10:39 p.m. at home surrounded in love by family. She was born September 7, 1922, in Clay Township, Auglaize County, the second daughter of Gust Frederick Adam and Barbara Elizabeth (Klopfenstein) Helmlinger, who preceded her in death. On June 15, 1947, she married Nelson E. Ruck, who passed away on September 3, 1990.

She is survived by her children, Norrene (Andy) Torres of Avon, OH, Nathan (Deb) Ruck, Eunice (Ed) Shipman and Aaron Ruck, all of Wapakoneta; grandchildren, Jennifer (Matt) Spieth of Brecksville, OH, Jessica Torres and Jaclyn Torres, both of Lakewood, OH, Andrea (Troy) Kalina of Ostrander, OH, Jay (Kate) Shipman of Sunbury, OH, Abi (Cory) Maxwell of Taylor, MI, Jacob Ruck and Joshua Ruck and Alyssa (Zack) Schroer, all of Wapakoneta; great-grandchildren, Gracie and Lucas Young, River and Parker Wilson, Isaac, Teddy and Rowan Maxwell, and E.J. Kalina; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Ethel and Roger Elsass; brother and sister-in-law, Roger and Clea Anna Helmlinger; and sister and brother-in-law, Velma and Ivan Zwiebel.

Bernie graduated from Blume High School in 1940. She worked in Washington, D.C., for a brief time before returning home to Wapak. She married, raised four children, helped raise more than a handful of her grandchildren, and cared for her mother and in-laws in their elder years. Bernie worked full-time as secretary to the principal at Wapakoneta High School for nearly 32 years and was honored as Wapak’s “Woman of the Year” in 1988. Oftentimes, Bernie could be found in her garden, helping to work the farm, reading her Bible, sharing recipes and healthy living habits, donating blood (she was honored for giving 20 gallons!) and volunteering at the Red Cross, providing haircuts or sewing and knitting for family and friends, teaching her grandkids and great-grandkids to sing “Jesus Loves Me,” cleaning out the fridge by eating all the stale and old leftovers, refilling her cup with water and ice chips, playing piano, and singing hymns. And though her memory began to falter the last few years, she could still recite the 23rd Psalm and sing the doxology without missing a beat.

Bernie was active in church her entire life, serving as choir director at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Clay Township, and later as a founding member of Christ The King Church, Jackson Center. She sang in Sweet Adelines for a number of years and served as part of a missionary trip to Guatemala when she was in her 80s to minister to residents there. 

She was always ready at any moment for family and friends to celebrate the milestones, grieve the losses and participate in the adventures (including large family vacations, competitive family game nights, and even ziplining through the mountains of Tennessee only a few years ago!). Above all and through all, Bernie loved her Lord and showed it by how she lived, loving and extending grace to people where they were and serving selflessly with her actions. No matter the task or the interaction, Bernie did everything joyfully, humbly, patiently, peacefully, compassionately, fully and faithfully. All who loved Bernie will miss her deeply.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023, at Christ The King Church 17570 OH-274, Jackson Center, OH 45334 with Pastor James Maxwell officiating. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Wapakoneta. Friends may call from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 24, 2023, at Schlosser Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Wapakoneta and one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ The King Church, the American Red Cross, or St. Johns Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department.