Mpls, MN - Sharon Ann Rucker, 86, of Minneapolis, transitioned on December 1, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with dementia and Alzheimer's. Born in Des Moines, daughter to Henry and Dorothy. She accepted Christ at an early age and grew up attending Burns United Methodist Church in Des Moines, later joining St. James Lutheran Church as an adult in Minneapolis.

Sharon was educated in the Des Moines public schools and attended Grand View college before meeting the love of her life, Harvey Rucker. They married in 1959 and in 1963 the couple moved to Minneapolis for Harvey's career. There, they raised their three children. Once her children reached elementary school, Sharon continued her education at Concordia College in St. Paul, earning her Bachelor of Science degree.

She devoted almost 27 years to nurturing young minds as an elementary school teacher, specifically High Five and Kindergarten, retiring in 2004. Everything she did carried her signature standard of excellence. She planned with care, executed with precision and took pride in every detail. These exceptional traits went beyond the classroom.

Sharon was deeply rooted in the community. She helped establish one of the first Black Ski Clubs in Minneapolis (Glende), active member of the Minneapolis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated until graduating out. However, her greatest joy in service and sisterhood came through her 40-year membership in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Sharon Ann was preceded in death by her parents; her firstborn son, Howard (stillborn) and her grandson, David Bowling.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving husband of 66 years, Harvey; twin daughters Elisa and Elayna; son, Henry; grandchildren, Kyle M and Alana R; granddaughter-in-law, Alexa B; and great-grandchildren, Gabriella and Jaden B.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025, at St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal Church, 401 E. 41st Street, Minneapolis, MN 55409. Visitation will take place from 10:00-11:30 a.m., followed by the Omega Omega Ceremony at 11:30 a.m. with service immediately thereafter. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. at Lakewood Cemetery. Repast to follow.