Esther Darlene Ruckman

Esther Darlene Ruckman, 53 year old, Worland resident, passed away at the Billings Clinic in Billings, MT on January 13, 2008 after a persistent battle with cancer.

Esther was born December 25, 1954 to Vernon A. and Joan M. (Pangburn) Bauer in Lewistown, MT. She grew up in Winnet, MT until the age of 8 when the family moved to Powell, WY for a short time. They later relocated to Billings, MT. They moved to Worland, WY in 1969 where she graduated in 1974.

Esther married Elmer Swing on May 5, 1974. To this union was born two sons, David and Mike. They were later divorced. She was married to Tom Ruckman in 1989 and they made their home in Worland until the time of her death.

Esther worked at Ricker’s Pharmacy and Pamida before going to work for the Holly Sugar Company. She later went to work for Pepsi Cola as a lab technician. She was currently a bookkeeper for Te & Jay Construction which she and Tom owned and operated.

She loved spending time with her friends and family, especially her grandchildren, who meant the world to her. She enjoyed keeping books for her and Tom’s business and had a passion for gardening from which she made salsa for the neighborhood each year. Esther loved to buy Hallmark ornaments for everyone each Christmas and had also obtained quite a collection of bells and angels. She was beloved by her family, friends and neighbors. From the time of her illness, she was an inspiration to other cancer patients, doctors, nurses and all whom she was in contact with.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Louise and Harold Pangburn, her father, and one brother, Kenny Bauer.

Esther is survived by her husband, Tom; mother and stepfather: Joan and Ray Kindt, all of Worland, WY; step-mother Janet Bauer of Buffalo, WY; sons: Mike Swing of Denver, Colorado, David (Christy) Swing of Worland, WY; step-son: Thomas Ruckman of Ketchikan, Alaska; brother: Barry (Shirley) Bauer of Buffalo, WY; grandchildren: Bryce and Breann Swing; nephews: T.J. and Tyler Bauer and one niece: Kenli Bauer; mother and father-in-law: Curt and Donna Hughes of Thermopolis.