Jacquelyn Belle Rucker, 23, of St. Jacob, IL, born Wednesday, February 27, 2002, in Maryville, IL and passed on Tuesday, June 3, 2025.
With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Jacquelyn Belle Rucker, age 23, who left us far too soon. Born in Maryville, Illinois, and raised in St. Jacob, Jacquelyn brought light, laughter, and love to every life she touched.
A graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jacquelyn earned her Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences in 2023, a testament to her intelligence, perseverance, and love of learning. She was incredibly smart and curious, and her passion for knowledge was evident in her constant reading and thoughtful conversations.
Jacquelyn went on to work at Brightpoint as a foster care specialist, a role that perfectly reflected her passion for advocating for others and her unwavering belief in the power of compassion.
Those who knew Jacquelyn will remember her sharp wit and contagious laugh. She had a natural ability to bring joy into a room, to make others feel seen and heard, and to stand firmly for what she believed in. Her love for reading was only matched by the love she had for her friends and her cat Smokey, whom she adored and spoiled endlessly.
Jacquelyn’s life was one of empathy, advocacy, and genuine connection. She was someone who didn’t just care—she acted. Whether it was showing up for a friend, supporting a child in need, or simply listening when someone needed it most, Jacquelyn made a difference.
Her absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but her spirit and kindness will live on in the hearts of those she loved—and those who loved her in return.
She was preceded in death by her grandfather Ronald Rucker.
Surviving are her parents, Terrance D. Rucker of Gillispie, IL and Murlene (nee Harris) Rucker of St. Jacob, IL; her sisters, Mariah (Levi Holthaus) Keller of Mountain Home, AR, Brittany (Justin Harvill) Thornton of New Grand Chain, IL; her brother, David W (Angel Woods) Rucker of Collinsville, IL; grandparents, Deborah J. Fohr of Collinsville, IL, Jackie “Poppy” and Roseann Harris of Andalusia, AL; aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Jacquelyn’s memory to one of the following organizations that meant a great deal to her: • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), • The Trevor Project, • Mental Health America, • WINGS Program, • Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC). Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com.
Visitation for Jackie will be 9:30 to 10:30 am on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Aebischer-Richeson Funeral Home, St. Jacob, IL.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 7, at Aebischer-Richeson Funeral Home, St. Jacob, IL, with Rev. Dennis Price officiating.
