Theresa Rucker

Theresa Maybell Hammett Rucker, 91 of Moberly, MO formerly of Port Charolette, FL, went home to her eternal home on Sunday, May 19, 2024. She was born September 24, 1932, to Aubrey Rutherford Hammett and Edith Kellogg Hammett in their home between Moberly and Huntsville, MO. Her father was an attorney, Circuit judge of Randolph and Howard counties and a Representative of the state of MO.
She accepted Jesus Christ at the age of 13 as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Central Christian in Moberly, MO. Theresa graduated from Moberly Junior College, Lower Division at the age of 16 in 1948. She earned her Certified Professional Secretary certificate in 1970 and finally after many years of night school she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Leo University, St. Leo FL. During her working career she was an administrative assistant to the former MO Attorney General, John Danforth, president of the Central Bank, church secretary, administrator of First Presbyterian Church, financial officer at Fawcett Hospital and numerous other positions.
Theresa met her future husband, Latimer C. Rucker, when she was 14 years through a mutual friend. She was working at the candy counter at the Woolworths Store in Moberly, MO. He was two years older than she. She says that after their first date neither of them ever dated anyone else. They were married on October 1, 1950. Theresa & L.C. enjoyed 58 years of marriage before his death in 2008. They adopted two children a daughter, Laura SueAnn and Russell Hammett. Both proceeded her in death. While vacationing in Florida in the 70's, Theresa and L.C. fell in love with Florida. They bought some land, built a lovely home, and lived there for over 43 years.
Theresa enjoyed listening to L.C. play his saxophone and other instruments. He was a professional musician playing hundreds of venues. She loved entertaining family and their home ALWAYS had the "welcome mat" out for any family members of friends who wanted to vacation in Florida. She was also an AVID Hallmark Ornament collector, and she created numerous hand quilted quilts. Theresa was an active member in the Presbyterian Church. In 2021, Theresa rejoined her childhood church, Central Christian Church, when she moved back to Missouri to be closer to relatives.
In 2017, Theresa married Donal B. Philipps, a longtime friend and church member. They had worked on various church projects together. They loved each other for three years before Don's passing in 2020.
She will be greatly missed by daughter-in-law, Deborah, Port Charlotte, FL, grandchildren, Ashlee (Aaron) Carr, Adrienne and Jeremy Briggs of FL, Great grandchildren Cole, Bailey, Sophie, jerin Briggs, Ayden Avalon and Addison Carr of FL, brother-in-law, Richard (Carolyn) Rucker, sisters, Ann March of Lakewood, CO, Laura VanHouten of Moberly, MO, Sue Nilges of Weldon Spring, MO. Nieces and nephews Aubrey (Joyce) of Moberly who were especially close to Theresa, David and Ellen Rucker of Lakewood, CO, Theresa (Jim) Risch of Defiance, MO, Mark (Stephanie) Rucker of Lakewood, CO, Dan (Gayle) March, Lakewood, CO, Jim (Pat) VanHouten, Maricopa, AZ, Larry (Norma) VanHouten, Ofallon, MO, Vivian (Gary) Becker, Glasgow, MO., Michael (Vicki) Nilges of Warrenton, MO, and numerous great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Central Christian Church, 201 South Fourth, Moberly, MO 65270 or Compassus Hospice Group, 1701A Prospect Dr. Macon, MO, 63552.
Private graveside service was held at Oakland Cemetery, Moberly, MO.
"Thanks be to God for the loving care that she received at Ravenwood Assisted Living facility in Moberly, MO, and to the Compassus Hospice group during the last years/months of her life."