Michelle “Shelly” R. Rucker, age 67 of Syracuse, NE passed away on Friday morning, December 12, 2025 at her home with her loving family at her side.

Michelle Rae (Storey) Rucker was born on August 27, 1958 in Council Bluffs, IA; the daughter of Ralph D. and Emily K. (Goldapp) Storey.  She grew up in Council Bluffs and attended Lewis Central Schools.  He graduated from Lewis Central High School with the Class of 1976.  During her high school years, Shelly was a very accomplished athlete competing in various sports.  She played softball in high school and her team competed in the Iowa State Softball Tournament.  Shelly was also an accomplished track athlete, qualifying for state track for four years in the low hurdles and the long jump, which was amazing for a girl who was only 5”1’.  She was also a championship flight golfer everywhere she went.  After her graduation from high school, she attended Wayne State College for a year and later Iowa Western Community College where she studied computer programming.  After her marriage, Shelly attended the Institute of Computer Science.  She worked for a short time as a computer programmer. 

On September 2, 1978, Shelly was united in marriage to Randall “Randy” Rucker in Sidney, IA and to this union two children were born:  Jacob and Perry.  She was a loving mother and wife who devoted her time to raising her family.  She also worked part time as a teacher's aid.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband Randy Rucker of Syracuse, NE; children:  Jacob Rucker of Omaha, NE and Perry Rucker (Amanda) of Louisville, NE; five grandchildren:  Kade, Kora, Jackson, Lincoln and Cassidy; father Ralph Storey of Murray, NE; brother John Storey (Linda) of Lake of the Ozarks, MO; sister Stephanie Storey (Sherri) of Independence, MO; sister-in-law Teri Gibbons (Keith) of Papillion, NE; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Shelly was preceded in death by her mom Emily Storey on October 4, 2014.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Table Creek Golf Course from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Memorials may be directed to Louisville Wrestling Club in “Momo’s”  memory - in lieu of flowers.

Remembrances may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.