Emma Belle (May) Ruckel

Emma Belle (May) Ruckel, age 84, of Eubank, Kentucky, was ushered into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky, surrounded by her loved ones.  Born Sunday, May 11, 1941, in Eubank, she was the daughter of the late Marvin & Katherine (Hubble) May.  Emma was the widow of the late Leonard C. Ruckel, whom she married Saturday, September 23, 1961, and preceded her in death Friday, April 5, 2013.  Emma worked as a cook for Waynesburg Elementary School for 20 years.  She was a faithful member of Polly Ann Baptist Church.  Emma enjoyed playing Solitaire, Rook, Rummikub, and being on Facebook.  Emma will be remembered for her kind, loving spirit, who never met a stranger and was always there to help someone in need.

Emma leaves behind four children, Tony Ruckel (Denise) of Waynesburg, Kentucky, Jeff Ruckel (Anna) of Waynesburg, Doug Ruckel of Stanford, Kentucky, and Missy York (Wayne) of Eubank; 14 grandchildren, Emily Ruckel, Erica Noel, Ashley Ruckel, Yolanda Ruckel, Joshua Ruckel, Addalee Ruckel, Blake Ruckel (LeeAnne), Landon Ruckel (Casey), Brent Ruckel (Sakkara), Brittany Elkins, Jordan Ruckel, Caleb Ruckel (Tabby), Dylan York, and Ryan York; 18 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Louise Webb of Virginia, Peggy Ruckel of Eubank, and Donna Ruckel of Waynesburg; and several nieces, nephews and numerous other extended family members and friends who mourn her passing.

In addition to her husband and parents, Emma was preceded in death by one daughter-in-law, Alisa Ruckel; two brothers, Johnny May and Thomas May; and three sisters, Jean Webb, Patsy Walker, and Alice Mullins.

Public Visitations will be held 5-8PM Friday, October 3, 2025, and 11AM-1PM Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home.

A Public Funeral Service will be held 1PM Saturday, at the funeral home.  Bro. Gary Carringer will officiate the service.  The Funeral Service will be livestreamed on Emma’s memorial page of the funeral home’s website. 

Burial will follow in Double Springs Cemetery.  Emma’s grandsons will serve as Active Casketbearers.  Emma’s granddaughters, great-grandchildren and Israel Mullins will serve as Honorary Casketbearers. 

Memorial Contributions suggested to Polly Ann Baptist Church, c/o The Outreach Fund, P.O. Box 177, Eubank, KY 42567.

The family would like to thank Dylan York (grandson) for his dedication to caring for Emma and ensuring all her medical needs were met over the past few years. 

Barnett, Demrow & Friend Funeral Home, Waynesburg, is entrusted with Emma’s arrangements.  Guest Book at www.friendfuneralhomes.com.

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