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Grace Ruckstuhl Obituary

Grace Blauvelt Ruckstuhl

Pensacola - Grace Blauvelt Ruckstuhl of Pensacola, FL passed away peacefully at home while she slept on January 14, 2019 at the age of 85. She is now reunited with her one true love, Theodore Joseph Ruckstuhl, her husband of 62 years, who preceded her in death by one year and ten days.

Grace is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Helen and Tony Paz; her brother-in-law Robert Winegardner; her children Ted Jr., Kathy, Charley, David, Cynthia, Mark, Mary, Pam, Helen, and Paul, and their spouses; 27 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren, plus another great granddaughter on the way!

Grace was born in Ridgewood, NJ on April 29, 1933. After moving to the deep south in Mississippi with her family just before graduating high school, she attended and graduated from St. Mary's Dominican College in 1955 with a bachelor's degree in elementary Education. While attending college she met HER MAN, Theodore Joseph Ruckstuhl, who was attending Tulane just next door, and they fell in love. They married on February 11, 1956 in Kosciusko, MS. They resided in New Orleans, where Ted finished up his architectural degree while Grace started her career teaching Kindergarten. Immediately after Ted's graduation, the Army transferred them to Tacoma, Washington; then when the Army released him they moved back to New Orleans for a short time before moving to Pensacola in 1959.

We can't speak of Grace without speaking of Ted. Family was Grace and ted's life, and it was a great life indeed-they had their first child, Ted Jr. in November of 1957 in Tacoma. Then Kathy was born in 1958 in New Orleans, and Charley in 1960 in Pensacola. David came along in 1961, then Cindy in 1962. Ted's career as an architect was blossoming, and Grace stayed home with their growing family. In 1967, Mark was born, followed by Mary in 1969, Pam in 1970, and Helen in 1971. In 1975, Paul came along, and Ted began his own architectural firm at home. And this is when Grace and Ted transformed themselves into the phenomenal team who changed the face of the Pensacola community and touched so many lives. Boy scouts, Girl Scouts, Running Clubs, Swim Teams, Parish Council-you name it, they involved themselves and their family. Grace taught PE; coached track, swimming, and running club for Sacred Heart and then later St. Michael's as well. She managed the East Hill Christian swimming pool and taught untold numbers not just how to swim, but also how to enjoy swimming safely. She taught numerous Red Cross programs and spent several summers teaching children swim safety at Camp Happy Sands. Grace was a highly qualified swimming instructor and an accomplished swimmer, bicyclist and runner. Throughout the years, they ran races together, and started the Great Pumpkin Run in 1984 and the Dogwood Dash in 1993. Grace was the Saints Middle School swim coach for 30 years. She even braved the high school arena by coaching the Catholic High School swim team at some point along the way (ha!), and Grace and Ted coached together until 2016. They were active in the running, swimming, and triathlon community; they involved themselves with the Pensacola Runners Association and helped beginner triathletes with open water swimming, which eventually became Mere Mortals. She swam the Pensacola Bay Swim numerous times and competed with US Masters Swimming for a number of years.

Grace and Ted were active in the Catholic church in Pensacola, and they had an unwavering faith in their God and Father and His purpose for them. Grace's roles included but were not limited to: mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, teacher, coach, wife, daughter, friend, athlete, student, role model, scout leader, entertainer through piano, harmonica and ukelele. Her love for people, passion for health, and love for all things bright and colorful made her an amazing force who changed everyone she encountered.

Visitation is at St. Joseph Catholic Church (140 Government Street) at 10 am Saturday, January 19, immediately followed with a celebration mass at 11 am. Fr. Chuck Collins and Msgr. Michael Reed will officiate and Benboe Funeral Home directing. In lieu of flowers, donations to the caring and Sharing and Our Lady of the Savior Medical Clinic- both at St. Joseph Catholic Church - may be made in her honor by calling the church office at 850-436-6461.

Published by the Pensacola News Journal on Jan. 18, 2019.
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Memories and Condolences
for Grace Ruckstuhl

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Not sure what to say?





Mrs Grace was my Hero for many reasons. Her ability and charisma speaks a thousand words left unsaid. ❤Amber

Amber Swindall

Student

February 22, 2020

May the God of all comfort sustain your family during the days ahead Psalms 119:76

May the loyal love of God comfort the family and friends. Please accept my deepest condolences. (1 Thessalonians 4:14)

D C

February 27, 2019

She was a great mentor and friend. My condolences to the Ruckstuhl family. I so admired Grace and Ted and their whole family.

Pat Cuchens

January 23, 2019

Our absolute condolences to the Ruckstuhl family. Grace was a friend and inspiration to myself and the many other swimmers and our families in Pensacola. Grace and Ted were such exceptional individuals...

The Payne and Barkley Families

Clif Payne

January 22, 2019

A Pensacola treasure.

January 21, 2019

So sorry for your loss. She was quite a woman! Just like you Kathleen! Hang in there!

Laurie

lauren harrington

January 20, 2019

Our family has shared so many special stories about Mrs. Ruckstuhl from her time she spent at St. Michael's. She was tough, but she cared. She wanted her students to do their best, and she expected that of them, too. Think of the number of children she worked with during her lifetime, and how many lives she blessed! My sympathy goes out to her family at this sad time.

Myra Martin

January 19, 2019

I loved this woman. She was an inspiration to not just me but to a very large family. I must say she did change my live back in the day. Swimming in the pool behind the old Sacred Heart Hospital off of 12th. Waking up at 6 am to swim in frezzing cold. And undoing the pool cover was an experience that I will never forget till this day. You my lady changed everyone that you touched with a heart and respect that know one can replace. I will miss you very much so. Eric D.Espersen

Eric Espersen

January 18, 2019

I am pretty certain I can speak for the Homeschool Hurricanes when I say that Coach Grace was an inspiration and a blessing to many people. She generously took on our fledgling homeschool swim team and as underdogs coached us to win the City championship 2 years in a row against teams twice our size. (Got us parents in on the exercise as well). She and Ted were a great team' and dedicated supporters of kids and family values and particularly those who needed an extra hand. We appreciated her support and confidence and know she will be missed. Much gratitude and prayers in sympathy to her family and for her eternal rest. ♥
Joann Goley

Joann Goley

January 18, 2019

My condolences go out to the family. Mr & Mrs Ruckstuhl were such a loving couple, always holding hands, smiling and sharing kind words to all. I know they are holding hands again as they watch over you all.

DeeDee Green

January 18, 2019

My thoughts and prayers are with Grace and Ted their as well as their family tonight. It is with respect, appreciation and admiration I remember many, many, fond memories and conversations at Washington's pool since the 80's.. Grace touched the lives of all she encountered. She taught so much more than athletics and aquatics to so many more than just her students, family and friends. I feel honored and privileged to have been allowed to
learn from her.
Thank You Grace and to her family from Mike Haas and all of us over the years at Washington Aquatic Center.

Mike Haas

January 18, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of the Ruckstuhl family. We're saddened to hear of your loss....your parents were wonderful people! Sincerely, Bonnie Harwood and Betty Harwood

Bonnie Harwood

January 18, 2019

Grace was quite a lady and a great friend to many. During the couple years I tried to head up GPAC she was a major supporter which I appreciated much and never forgot. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

David Nelson

January 18, 2019

I am so deeply saddened by Coach Ruckstuhl's passing. She was a big influence in my life. Coach Ruckstuhl was my PE teacher, swim coach, and track coach at St. Michael's (K-8th). She would always recruit my Dad, grandfather, and i to make the Dogwood Dash plaques for the winners of each division and help with course set-up and then make us go run ha! She was the best. She pushed me to my limits and forced me to be the best I could be. I have many memories of her; too many to list here. I had the pleasure to be a colleague of hers while coaching at Catholic High, for that I am truly grateful. She was a great mentor and coach and I know she will be deeply missed by all.

We can't make it tomorrow but on behalf of myself and the Walters Family please accept our deepest condolences. May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time.

Molly Mahtani

January 18, 2019

I have the fondest memories of Coach Grace from my youth as she was my swim coach from 1st grade-12th grade. Rest in peace!

January 18, 2019

Grace had a huge impact on my childhood! She was my coach for many years on her swim team at Hunter pool. I give her all the credit for how comfortable I am in the water today! Because of her guidance I came to enjoy swimming, running, and competing in triathlons. I only wish my daughter could have the opportunity to be coached by Grace. She was a wonderful person who taught me much more than just how to swim. She will be sorely missed.

Colleen Kirchharr

January 18, 2019

I will miss you Grace

Linda Miller

January 18, 2019

Condolences to the Ruckstuhl family. I have so
many great memories of your mom and dad, I could never possibly list. Whether is was scouts, sports or just hanging with your family was always special. I often think of just coming over to the beach house in the summer and waterskiing. Your mom always made me smile and she was always so nice to me. She's another one of those special mothers that can't be replaced.
God bless you all.
Mike Raidt

Mike Raidt

January 18, 2019

Love You Forever, my Beautiful Mommy!

Mary Sikes

January 18, 2019

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Memorial Events
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Jan

19

Visitation

10:00 a.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

140 Government Street, FL

Jan

19

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

140 Government Street, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Benboe Funeral Home

416 West Wright Street, Pensacola, FL 32501

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