Virginia Blades Rucker, 101

Virginia Blades Rucker, 101, of Forest City, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015. 

Daughter of the late James Bishop and Pearl Robertson Blades of New Bern, she was also predeceased by her husbands, C. William Biggerstaff of Forest City, Albert F. Rucker, originally from Hubbard, Ohio, a step-son, Clay Cole of Oak Island, NC, and one grand-child, John Newton Hunt.

Mrs. Rucker was a reporter/editor for the Forest City Courier from March 1946-1966; then a contributing editor from March 1969 until January, 2006.

Mrs. Rucker joined the First United Methodist Church in 1933, was a Sunday School teacher, president and was given a life membership in the Woman's Society.  She was also author of a booklet on the church windows.

She was president of the NC Press Women, the Forest City Woman's Club, served on boards of the NC Mental Health Association, Flat Rock Play House, Rutherford Mental Health Association, Vocational Workshop, Dept. of Social Services, County Library and Mooneyham Library, and was an Associate of the NC Museum of History.

 She was the first woman recipient of the Forest City Kiwanis Club's Citizen of the Year, First Woman of the Year chosen by the Forest City Junior Woman's Club, and was named Woman in History by the Griffith Rutherford Chapter, DAR.

Mrs. Rucker served as first secretary of the Forest City Little League when it was formed.  She was also a volunteer for the Veteran's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Shelby Cleveland Memorial, and Rutherford Hospital.

She contributed in establishing the first public school class for mentally handicapped children and was one of the initial founders of Camp Harmony for exceptional children.  She helped to establish the Vocational Workshop and the Rutherford County Mental Health Association.

Survivors include a daughter, Virginia “Ginger” Biggerstaff Hunt and her husband, Charles Hunt of Forest City; a son, C. William “Bill” Biggerstaff ,Jr and wife, Sandra Searcy Biggerstaff of Concord; 9 grandchildren, 16, great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.  Also surviving are one step-daughter, Tama Rucker Vallarino and husband Mark of Fairbanks, Alaska; two stepsons, Rick Rucker and wife Dinah of Oak Island, NC, and James Rucker and wife Sherry of Murrel's Inlet, and 5 step grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at two o'clock on Friday, April 17, 2015 in the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. J. O'Neil Haynes and Reverend Dr. George Thompson officiating.  Visitation will be in the church parlor from one until two o'clock prior to the service.  Inurnment of her ashes will be private for the immediate family in the Cool Springs Cemetery. The family respectfully request that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.

The Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.