Janice Mae Burnop Rucker

Janice Mae Burnop Rucker, 60, of Vinton, Va., passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2009. She was born on November 9, 1948, in Roanoke, Va., and was the daughter of the late Virgil and Louise Burnop. Janice was a retired professional truck driver, who was known on the highways as "Mama Bear." Upon retiring from the trucking industry, Janice stayed at home as a housewife. She loved her family and friends. She was also a member with the American Heart Association. She is survived by her husband, Addison C. Rucker Jr.; dog, Christy; her children, Danny and Becky Stewart, Nancy Stewart and Scott Brammer, Cynthia and Mark Holdren, Catherine Hatfield, Melinda Beckner, and Sherie Minnix; brother, Jimmy Burnop; sister, Joyce Burnop; grandchildren, Joey Stewart, Jacob Stewart, Megan Stewart, Noah Stewart, Jasmine Bawanah, Malik Bawanah, J.R. Hodges, Pat Hodges, Andy Minnix, and Travis Minnix; great-grandchildren, Kaleb Huffman, Haley Stewart and Hayden Stewart; and mother of Kaleb Huffman, Mary Beth Huffman. A funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2009, in the chapel of John M. Oakey & Son, with the Pastor Samuel J. Huntley Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son, Salem. To send condolences online, please register at www.johnmoakey.com.