Robert Donald Ruecker

Robert (Bob) Ruecker, 77, passed away surrounded by family on September 24, 2025. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He married Patricia (Patty Ancich) in 1986. Those that were lucky enough to know him, loved him for his sense of calm, his voice of reason, and his ability to solve any problem that came before him.

Bob was the son of Leonard (Rick) and Alberta Ruecker of Aberdeen, Washington. He was raised alongside his sister Beverly in the family home in Aberdeen. He attended Robert Gray Elementary, Miller Junior High, and Aberdeen High School before attending Washington State University for college. He was a lifelong Cougar fan. Bob returned to the harbor to work at and eventually run the family business. The family-owned Sunset Hardware store was a landmark in downtown Aberdeen for decades. When the store was eventually closed, Bob began working in the cellular phone industry as it became an emerging technology.

Bob retired from Verizon and filled his time with roles in human resources at Grays Harbor Paper and the Westport Shipyard. He also served as an interim athletic director at Grays Harbor College. He was a longtime member of the board of directors at Aberdeen Federal Bank and later Anchor Savings Bank. He volunteered on the YMCA board of directors and through Rotary.

Bob enjoyed boating, joining the Sea Scouts as a teen and building his first boat as a young man. Countless hours were spent sailing in Puget Sound and beyond. He and his wife Patty were longtime members of the Olympia Yacht Club. Their children and grandchildren shared in outings throughout the San Juan Islands, Vancouver Island, and Puget Sound. Bob visited Princess Lousia Inlet by boat and believed it to be the most beautiful place on earth.

Bob loved his family and friends. He was a loving father to his two daughters, Jennifer and Diana. He was a doting grandfather to his three grandchildren Gretchen, Elias, and Marcus. When Gretchen danced and acted, Bob was there. When the boys played lacrosse or ran track, Bob was there. He truly loved to watch the kids do the activities they enjoyed.

Bob is survived by his wife Patty, his daughters Jennifer (Ryan) Sandvig and Diana (Andrew) Thomé; his grandchildren Gretchen, Elias, and Marcus, and his sister Beverly (Dan) Wick. His large extended family included the Ruecker family, the Ancich family, and the Quigg family.

A celebration of a life well lived will be held at the Aberdeen Log Pavillion on Saturday, November 22, from 12-3pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choosing or the YMCA of Grays Harbor to provide scholarships to area youth. Please take a moment to share your memories and notes of condolence for the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.