Vesta Fern Ruckman

Vesta Fern (Bussard) Ruckman, age 102, of Bolar, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the Springs Nursing Center in Hot Springs.

Born in Bolar October 7, 1923, she was a daughter of the late Raymond Earl and Cora Elizabeth (Caricofe) Bussard. On June 10, 1950, she married James Arnold Ruckman, who preceded her in death in 1988.

A woman of great faith, Vesta was a member and Sunday school teacher of the Valley Bethel Church of the Brethren, as well as a member of the Women’s Fellowship and the Highland County Extension Homemakers Club. Both a homemaker and farmer at times, she loved to cook meals, bake cakes and cookies, and enjoyed time spent sewing, quilting, and crocheting. Outside the home, Vesta lovingly tended to her sheep and cows, enjoyed planting and working in her garden, producing fresh food, and canning her bounty for the winter. Family meant the world to Vesta, and her love for them was always on full display. This was often highlighted by the special handcrafted items she gave her children and grandchildren during Christmas, or the annual fall reunions she hosted so extended family members could enjoy the fall foliage. Above all, she will be remembered for her strong work ethic, selfless nature, and for the steadfast love she provided as a mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by an infant son and infant twins, Velda Faye and Verna Ray Ruckman; as well as her brother, Erwin Lewis Bussard.

She is survived by two sons, Duane Arthur Ruckman of Sneads Ferry, NC and Blane Early Ruckman and wife, Amy of Bolar; grandchildren, Thomas D. Ruckman, Tamara Lynn Ruckman, Jamie Scott Ruckman, and Theresa O’Connor and husband, Mike; as well as great-grandchildren, Hailey Nicole Ruckman, Isabella Rose Thaxton, Lilia Grace Ruckman, and Brielle Faith Ruckman.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Friday, February 13, 2026 at Obaugh Funeral Home, McDowell with pastor Zach Royer officiating. Burial will be held in Big Valley Cemetery at a later date.

In addition to her sons, pallbearers include Eugene Bussard, Jamie Ruckman, Ronnie Carpenter, and Eddie Ailstock.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Big Valley Cemetery, c/o Amy Ruckman, 7197 Big Valley Road, Warm Springs, Va. 24484 or to Bolar Volunteer Rescue Squad, 1099 Robinson Lane Warm Springs, Va 24484.