Melinda Marie Rucker

Melinda Marie Rucker, 61, of Harrisonburg, Virginia passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville. Melinda was born October 5, 1964, in Harrisonburg and was the daughter of Mary Ann Crawford Rucker of Harrisonburg and the late Forrest Lane Rucker, Jr. Melinda was a graduate of Turner Ashby High School and a lifelong resident of the area. As a self-employed caregiver, she devoted herself to providing compassionate care for many families in the area, including the special Secrist family. She will be remembered for her kindness and the genuine care she showed to others. Melinda enjoyed spending time with her family and buying gifts for her great nephews. She had a lifelong love of animals, particularly cats, which brought her great joy throughout her life. In addition to her loving mother, she is survived by her cherished daughter, Rachelle Rucker of Harrisonburg; a brother, Ricky Rucker of Harrisonburg; two sisters, Deborah Smith and husband, Rich of Indiana, and Renee Thompson and husband, Curtis of Locust Grove, Virginia; numerous nieces, nephews, and her beloved cat, Thumper. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg, with Pastor Trevor Whetzel officiating. Entombment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to offset funeral expenses.