Edith Isabel Ruckman, 91, of rural Larwill, died peacefully at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.

Born on December 29, 1932, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Lester and Leone (Magee) Werstler. Growing up on a farm north of Larwill, she graduated as the Valedictorian of the Larwill High School Class of 1950.

On July 5, 1952, she married James Dean Ruckman. The couple made their home on a dairy farm south of Larwill, raising five children. James died on November 12, 1996.

In addition to being a dairy farm wife and homemaker, Isabel worked for United Telephone in Warsaw and then a teachers' aide at the South Whitley Elementary School.

With her expertise with dairy cattle, she won first place at the 51st Annual Hoard's Dairyman Cow Judging Contest beating 118,776 other contestants from around the world. She was a member of 4H, the Indiana State Junior Holstein Association, and a founding member of the Double Dozen Home Extension Club.

An accomplished seamstress, she sewed clothing, made rugs for churches and area bazaars, enjoyed crocheting, often made dishcloths.

She is survived by her children, Debra (Gary) Beck of Huntington, Brian Ruckman, Tammy Ramey and Brent (Jennifer Wehr) Ruckman all of Larwill; grandchildren, Amy (Beth Eash) Beck, Kim Beck, Eric (Brooke) Beck, Michele Esselman, Cara (Brent) Breece and Calla (Donald) Ramey; five great-grandchildren; twin great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Lola Drudge of Warsaw and a sister-in-law Glenna Werstler of Pierceton,

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Beth Ann Plaggerman; brothers, Ivan & John Werstler and a sister, Joan Myers.

The funeral service is 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at Richland Center Cemetery, Larwill. Visitation is from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials in Isabel's honor are to the Whitley County Agricultural Museum.