Dorothy Gertrude Rucker, affectionately known to many as "Ma Rucker," passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016. She was born in Pittsboro, North Carolina on June 17, 1927 to the late Edmond and Eulah (nee Baldwin) Snipes. Dorothy attended high school in North Carolina of which she graduated at the age of 15. She went on to attend North Carolina Central State University, graduating at the age of 17 and went on to receiver her Masters of Education at Kent State University by the age of 19. After college Dorothy moved to Wellington where she became the Home Economics teacher at Wellington High School. She retired in 1985 after 33 years. A trusted mentor for her students, Dorothy was an advisor for the FHA, currently known as the FCCLA, with which she had several state officers. She was a member of the Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Kappa Gamma sororities and later became a member and officer of the Lorain County Retired Teachers Association. Dorothy took great pride in being an educator and motivator, using stories of her past to encourage future generations. Dorothy enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved to cook lots of food, especially for family gatherings and holidays, which were very important to her. A beloved presence in her community and a very social person, Dorothy enjoyed volunteering her time and attending clubs and meetings. She was a founding member of the Chatter Box Club, a member of the Wellington Congregational Church where she taught Sunday school and was on several committees. Dorothy also volunteered with the Spirit of '76 Museum and was on the board of the Southern Lorain County Historical Society. Dorothy is survived by her children Doris Susan Walker Rucker, of Wellington, and Michael Rucker of Chicago IL; 5 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; siblings Thurman Snipes of Lorain, Bernice Whitaker and Marvin Snipes both of Hampton VA. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years George Rucker Jr, sons George Leslie and Russell David Rucker, and her brother Raymond Snipes. Friends and family will be received onThursday, July 6, from 4-8 p.m. at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 140 South Main Street, Wellington, where services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. with Rev. Becky Verbridge and Elder James R. Furcron, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family requests that memorial donations be directed to the church or to the Lorain County Retired Teachers Scholarship Fund. Those wishing to share a fond memory or condolence may visit: www.norton-eastmanfuneralhome.com.

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