Barbara Rucker

BARBARA RUCKER 8/5/1931 - 5/16/2014 Barbara Mae Rucker passed away peacefully in her home in Barstow on May 16, 2014. At her side was her longtime caregiver Amber Lawrence. Barbara suffered from Alzheimer's disease but, due to the efforts of her loving children, was able to remain in the home she cherished. Barbara was born Aug. 5, 1931, in Phoenix, Arizona, to George and Josie Thompson; she was the tenth of ten children. The family moved to Blythe, California in 1941 where Barbara met Bunny Edward Rogers. They were wed in 1946 and began a family of their own with the births of their two boys, Ed and Sam. They moved several times and added to their growing family with the births of their daughters, Myra and Zola. But, the couple parted ways, and in 1960, Barbara married Cliff Bledsoe. The couple gave birth to two sons, Robert and Floyd. The family was now living in Barstow where Barbara's parents had settled earlier. It was in Barstow that Barbara began her storied career as a waitress, first at Fire Chief Hat Dog and finally at Rosita's where she worked for 22 years. Barbara was a tireless worker and when she wasn't at the restaurant or caring for her children, she was tending to her beloved yards and gardens. After her divorce from Cliff, Barbara married Ed Rucker. The couple later divorced. In 1973, when her first grandchild was born, Barbara discovered a new passion and another outlet for her boundless energy. She was a terrific grandmother who was the first up a tree or down a slide and loved to get into the game or join the tea party. In her years at Rosita's, Barbara met many of the town's inhabitants, thousands of travelers and even a few celebrities. But all would agree that she provided the biggest smiles and the best service they'd ever had. Locals became her friends and many travelers asked for her by name the next time they stopped at Rosita's. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, George and Josie Thompson; seven of her siblings, Ellen, Myrtle, Ruth, Pearl, Zola, Paul and Mary; her son-in-law, Jerrel Roberson; and her two youngest sons, Robert and Floyd Bledsoe. She is survived by her sisters Lavaughn Murdock and Dorothy (Robert) Kelly; sons Ed (Terry) Rogers and Sam (Tshea) Rogers; daughters Myra Roberson and Zola (Don) Parker; grandchildren Steve (Val) Rogers, Doug (Angie) Rogers and Dwayne (Lauren) Rogers; Mandy (Greg) Rogers and Andy Rogers; Bart (Katie) Roberson, Sam (Bree) Roberson, Krystle (Ryan) Roberson and Kimberly Roberson; Erika Dorman, April Evett and Josh Betsey; and great-grandchildren Douglas and Zoe Rogers, Shaun and Aiden Evett and Shane Rogers. Barbara is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Barbara was greatly loved and will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched. A celebration of life will be held in her honor at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Rosita's Mexican Restaurant, 540 W. Main St., Barstow.