Fonnie Loraine rucker

At birth doctors in Chicago discovered Fonnie had a learning disability. Later it was diagnosed as Downs Syndrome. Little was known about that  condition in the late 1950s. Her pediatricians feared Fonnie would never walk or talk. They told her parents her life expectancy would likely not exceed 25 years. Fonnie's mother Opal Rucker responded saying "you don't know me, and my faith in God." She devoted the rest of her life to Fonnie until Miss Opal passed away at 95 years old.

Fonnie’s big brother Robert (Bob) was two years older, and the two were inseparable as children. He would convince his parents she could walk and talk, and slowly taught her how to do both. Bob protected her from bullies in school, and gave her a chance to experience all of life. Fonnie always enjoyed hearing her mother read the Bible to them, and she loved telling others about the teachings of Jesus and her faith. Bob often marveled at how people instantly fell in love with his little sister. Fonnie enjoyed saying hello to people, and telling them "you're good looking" or "I love you." 

In her youth Fonnie participated in the first national Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field, sponsored by the late President Kennedy’s family. She out ran all her track opponents, and was presented a ribbon by the event founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver.  In 2004, she and her mother would move to California to live with her brother, Prof. Bob Rucker who taught at San Jose State University.

For 16 years she enjoyed being a part of Hope Services in San Jose, a place known for its inspiring mission “to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs.” Like everywhere she lived, Fonnie quickly made new friends, including counselors and administrators. Later she transferred next door to Hope Senior Center for older adults. Again Fonnie developed a reputation for being fun loving and lifting spirits. When the center played music by her beloved Michael Jackson, she'd invite friends and workers to dance with her.

Fonnie Rucker’s final resting place will be at Heaven’s Gate Catholic Cemetery in Los Altos, California, next to her mother Opal and Aunt Geneva Kenerson. She is survived by her brother Bob, his husband (her "other brother")  Benjamin Corrales, a sister Linda Genine Rucker-Mosby, many loving family members and dear friendships Fonnie made with people all across the world.