Lilly Grace Rucker

Lilly Grace Rucker, of Rockwall, Texas, was born on June 30, 2007, and went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 5, 2025. Lilly was the beloved daughter of Thomas Erick Rucker and Mendy Michelle (Sandlin) Rucker, and a cherished sister of Michael and Emma Rucker.

While Lilly spent the majority of her time confined to her bed or wheelchair, what she loved more than anything was to be with her family. She loved sitting with them in the living room, celebrating holidays and birthdays, playing games, reading, and singing together. Lilly loved going places with her family, including long car rides in the "Lillymobile," visits to the land, and trips to church, where she received the sweet attention given to her by her wonderful church family. She enjoyed being held by her Daddy, Momma, Bubba and Sissy, and loved their kisses. Lilly especially enjoyed being read to, listening to all kinds of music, and she treasured the attention and affection she received from her grandparents-she loved hearing their voices and the time they spent with her. She was blessed to have loving and caring nurses who were so attentive to her needs, and her love for them was made evident by her smiles and contentment.

Even though it would be hard to find something physical that Lilly did or accomplished in her life, the lasting impact that she had on everyone who knew her, or knew of her, is too great to describe or comprehend. Lilly taught us all how to be content in every circumstance (Philippians 4:12), to find joy in the smallest of things, and to withstand hard physical trials, knowing that our Heavenly Father, who is in control, will work all things for good (I Thessalonians 5:16–18). She showed us how to accept love, help, grace, kindness, and gifts when in need - even when that love and help could never be repaid. Lilly taught us that spending time with the ones we love is far more precious and valuable than any worldly possessions or earthy pursuits (Matthew 6:19–20). She reminded us that God created each of us uniquely, and that no matter what we look like or what abilities we do or don't have, He still has a purpose for us and can use us for His glory, if we allow Him to (Psalm 139:14). Through Lilly, we were reminded that our focus should not be on things of this earth, but on heaven-where Christ will transform our broken bodies to be like His glorious body (Philippians 3:19–21).

Lilly is survived by her loving parents, Erick and Mendy Rucker; her brother, Michael Rucker; and her sister, Emma Rucker. She is also survived by her grandparents, Tom and Gina Rucker and Mickey and Glenda Sandlin; Aunt Melanie Sandlin; Uncle and Aunt Layne and Kelli Keele; Uncle and Aunt Ryan and Brittney Rucker; Uncle and Aunt Josh and Rachel Oakley; and her twelve loving cousins.

Lilly will be deeply missed by her family, her church family, and all who were blessed by her precious life and sweet spirit.

If you would like to honor Lilly's life and legacy, gifts to the following charities that have touched Lilly's life are recommended:

1. The Lilly Grace Rucker Endowed (Nursing) Scholarship Fund (Freed-Hardeman University) https://go.fhu.edu/portal/give-scholarship

2. The Parker Lee Project (Ennis, Texas) https://theparkerleeproject.org/

3. Give Kids the World (Kissimmee, Florida) https://www.gktw.org/#

A public time of visitation and receiving of friends will be held from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Wylie Church of Christ, located at 901 S Ballard Ave, Wylie, TX 75098, with Minister Steve Minor officiating.

A funeral service to honor the life of Lilly will follow at 11:00 AM at Wylie Church of Christ, with interment immediately afterward at Rest Haven Memorial Park, in the Garden of Memories, located at 2500 State Highway 66 East, Rockwall, Texas 75087.

Lilly's church service will be livestreamed for anyone unable to attend in person. Please click on the following link to watch the service: https://www.youtube.com/c/WylieChurchofChrist/live

Those wishing to send flowers for the service may do so through The Flower Box by Rest Haven at (972) 772-3269. Independent florists may deliver directly to Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall by 7:45 AM on Saturday, November 15, 2025 to ensure all floral arrangements are delivered to the church and displayed for Lilly's visitation in a timely manner.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Rest Haven Funeral Home – Rockwall, Texas.