Born May 20, 1936 in William, West Virginia, died December 9, 2018 in Cross Lanes, WV. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, James Marshal Ruckel of Davis, WV.
Geraldine is survived by a daughter, Susan Haslebacher (Bill) of Morgantown, WV, and a son, James “Scott” Ruckel, of Cross Lanes, WV. She is also survived by 3 granddaughters who were the love of her life, Emily Haslebacher of Fairfax, VA, Melissa Haslebacher, Morgantown, WV, and Sarah Haslebacher, Pittsburgh, PA; brother, Thomas “John” McCray (Alice) of Cleveland, Ohio, and Patty Nyberg (Philip) of Millbury, MA; and several nieces and nephews she loved dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmous Burl McCray, and Nellie Bertice Long of William, WV, and a sister, Jean (Anthony) Osretkar of Frederick, Maryland.
Upon graduation from Thomas High School, where she was awarded the “Golden Horseshoe”, she worked for the FBI in Washington, D.C. Once married and living in Richmond, VA, she was a secretary for lawyer, Bill Loy. Once her children were older, she worked at Ben Franklin Career Center in Dunbar, WV as a secretary for 40 years where she formed special and lasting friendships.
Geraldine loved the Outer Banks of North Carolina and, throughout her life visited as often as possible. Many good memories with family and friends were made in Buxton and Avon, NC.
Geraldine traveled extensively with her sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Anthony Ostretkar, and Patty and Philip Nyberg, visiting many destinations worldwide. Although she enjoyed traveling, she always looked forward to returning home to West Virginia.
Geraldine believed in the good works of the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Union Mission. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to these organizations in her name. Mountaineer Food Bank, 484 Enterprise Dr. Gassaway, WV 26624. Union Mission, PO Box 112, Charleston, WV 25321
Visitation was held on Thursday, December 13 from 3-8 p.m., at Tyler Mountain Funeral Home, 5233 Rocky Fork Road, Cross Lanes, WV. A second visitation was held on Saturday, December 15 from 11-2 p.m. at Hinkle Funeral Home in Davis, WV with service at 2 p.m. and interment followed at Davis Cemetery.
Tyler Mountain Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.TylerMountainFuneralHome.com