Luerena Mae Ruckel

Luerena Mae Ruckel, 84 of Whitehall, Ohio went to be with the Lord, Wednesday September 2, 2026. Luerena passed peacefully at home after her battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was born August 25, 1942 to the late John and Effie Faye Rodgers Adkins. She is a 1962 graduate of Portsmouth West High School. She retired, after thirty plus years of employment, from Bron-Shoe Company.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her amazing husband Gary Ruckel, sweet granddaughter, Lily Childers; four brothers, Eddie, Tom, Harvey, Jim Adkins and one sister, Mary Stelzer.

She is survived by her daughter Melissa “Missy” (Jerry) Childers; grandson, Odin Childers; brother, Bob (Pat) Adkins and many nieces and nephews.

Luerena could not wait until Spring so she could start buying beautiful flowers for her husband to take care of. Her favorite thing in the world was spending time with family and friends. However, family and friends knew not to call her Monday through Friday between 2pm and 3pm as that was the hour she dedicated for General Hospital. She loved decorating and cooking for the holidays. She got great joy out of spending time with her niece Sandra “Sis” Orozco. Whenever they were together the laughs were endless. Her grandson was the light of her life. He meant the world to her and she is so proud of the man he is becoming. Luerena loved listening to the Gaither Vocal Band and enjoyed dragging her daughter out to many of their concerts. She loved animals and always had a special way with them as they clearly loved her right back. The bird feeder always had to be full so she could watch them from the window. Cats and dogs would get extra treats and on many occasions they would get a home cooked meal made special just for them.

Luerena’s boundless love and unselfish nature will forever live on in the hearts of everyone who was close to her. She truly made a special mark in this world and will never be forgotten.

May peace over Luerena’s passing flow out to all those who loved her –as in her own words she herself stated: “I’m 84 and I have had a good life and when the Lord decides to call me home, I will be ready. I will be ready to be with Gary and Lily.”

Luerena's family will receive friends on Friday, September 11, 2026 from 10:00am to 12 Noon at the Cotner Funeral Home, 7369 E. Main St. Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, where her funeral service will be held at 12 Noon with Pastor John Ennis officiating. Interment to follow at Franklin Hills Memorial Garden.