1943 – 2020

With heavy hearts, the family of Donna Mae Ruckman announce her passing on the evening of September 23, 2020 at the age of 77 in Vernon, BC. Predeceased by her parents, Joseph Gilmour Miller(June 7, 1958) and Lucy Mae Miller(August 23, 2007). Survived by her loving partner Elmer Scheidt, her son Dwaine (Teresa) Ruckman, her daughter Shelley (Leah) Ruckman, grand children Allie Ruckman, Megan Ruckman, Ashley Obrecht. Sisters Joanne Miller, Beverly Stahl and Vicki McKinnon, as well as, nieces and nephews, Bradley, Tyler, Shantel, Michael, Keith, Shauna, Courtney, best friend Margaret Jessiman and many blended family members.

Donna was born in Vancouver, BC and moved to Alberta in 1951. After high school, she worked as a telephone operator until she married and started a family, eventually moving the family to Vernon, BC in 1970. Later in life, she enjoyed a career in retail at Eaton’s and the Hudson Bay Company. She very much enjoyed the outdoors, spending weekends out at Fintry on Okanagan Lake camping and dirt biking with her kids. Baseball and golf were the sports she loved most, always making time to enjoy the beaches and the lakes around Vernon (Cosens Bay on Kalamalka Lake being her favorite) to bathe in the sun. The love of music was ever present in Donna. You would often find her playing the piano or accordian and she always enjoyed a night out dancing. She took pride and joy in being a grandmother to all her grandchildren.

Donna’s happiest years were those she shared with Elmer Scheidt, her loving partner for 35 years. They enjoyed many golf trips together with friends. A most memorable time was the Alaskan cruise she and Elmer took together. If we all loved the way Elmer Scheidt loves Donna, the world would be a better place, as his devotion to her is unwaivering.

The family would like to extend a heart felt thank you to Dr. Deetlef and all of the caregivers at Polson Extended. Their guidance throughout meant a lot to the family.

We encourage everyone who knew and loved Donna that wish to leave condolences to share a fond memory, a funny moment or a good time. It will be these memories that we will cherish and make this difficult time a little easier.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, no service will be held at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory may be made to The Alzheimer Society of Canada.