Melva Dean Rucker

Melva Dean (Lilly) Rucker

(December 18, 1926 - January 17, 2026)

Melva passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 17, 2026. She was 99.

Born December 18, 1926, in Jumping Branch, West Virginia, she was one of nine siblings. Raised on a working farm, she carried a steady practicality with her throughout life. She married Eugene Rucker in 1942, and together they started their family before making Columbus their longtime home, where she lived for the remainder of her life. A devoted wife, mother, and full-time homemaker, she built a life defined by care, constancy, and the quiet pride of a well-kept home.

Melva was a lady-proper, well-spoken, and quietly well dressed, yet warm and wonderfully unpretentious. Family knew her by different names: "Mama" to some, "Maw Maw" or "Granny" to others -each name spoken with the same affection. Quietness was part of her nature-her voice, her manner, even the work of her hands had a careful delicacy. Yet beneath that gentleness was a steady strength. Through the hard moments her family faced, she was the calm center-carrying on, holding everyone together, and leading in the way she always did: quietly. That same steadiness lived in her everyday routines.

Whether she was tending her vegetable garden-with lilac and honeysuckle nearby, and irises and peonies returning each spring-or sitting at her sewing machine "in yonder," she was most content when she was making something: a dress, curtains and cushions, reupholstering a chair, or whatever needed mending next.

Melva began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses in 1954 and was baptized on August 4, 1956. Her faith deepened the quiet strength and gentleness that were already part of her. She loved sharing Bible truths in a kind and welcoming way, and one of God's promises that she held very dear was the hope of the resurrection and life on a paradise earth.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1515 College Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43209.

Zoom livestream: Meeting ID: 860 0608 0603

Passcode: 900900

Melva was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene P. Rucker; son, Roy E. Rucker; granddaughter, April Rucker-White; and her son-in-law, Arthur L. Lilly.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Lilly, and her son, Ronald Rucker; grandchildren Joy (Dave) Noxon, Kenneth Lilly, Scott (Tiffany) Rucker, Aaron (Kari) Rucker, and Shalon Rucker; great-grandchildren JD (Julie) Noxon, Rachel Noxon, Ezekiel Noxon, Brandon (Tatia) White, Amanda (Nathaniel) Monk, Brooke (Rex) Pierce, Emily Rucker, Taylor (Mike) Mihnovets, and Madison (Zach) Finnerty; great-great-grandchildren Andrew (Maeve), Samuel, and Benjamin Noxon, Eva Viera, Madilyn Monk, and River Finnerty; and many nieces and nephews.

Her ashes will be placed beside her husband in the Lilly family cemetery at a later date.

The family would like to express gratitude to those who supported her with friendship, loving care, and steady presence. Special thanks to her dear friend Anna Artz, who helped her continue active in the ministry while homebound; to Renee Hamilton and Sydney Dunmire for their part in caregiving; to Pam McCoy for her friendship and respite care; and to the Mount Carmel Hospice team for their compassionate care, with special thanks to Michelle, Cynthia, and Christine.