Lillian Sarhad Rucker passed away peacefully at Palm Garden Home Care, Danville, California on October 6, 2017 after a short illness. Lillian was born March 6, 1931in Chicago, Illinois to George and Anna Sarhad. She is predeceased by husband Forest (Rocky) H. Rucker; father George; mother Anna;
and brothers John, Dan and Wilson. She is survived by daughter Kathy Arvantis and son-in-law Costas Arvantis; stepson John Rucker; cousins Marlene Knutson, Tom Jacobs, AI Sarhad (Grace), Stephen Sarhad, Grace Sarhad, Dan Jacobs, John Komo, Betty Komo and Sarah Komo Shoemaker; nephews Bob Sarhad, Dan Sarhad, Michael Sarhad and Shelley Sarhad; and a host of family and friends to celebrate her life and mourn her passing.
Lillian moved with her parents to Turlock, California where she attended local schools. After graduating Turlock High School, she moved to the San Francisco bay area where she met and married Rocky on October 14, 1950. Lillian and Rocky made their home in San Francisco and Marin County before moving to Hayward in 1980. Lillian was a resident of Hayward at the time of her passing.
Lillian worked 43 years at Bethlehem Steel as a Payroll Administrator until her retirement in
1996. After Rocky passed in 2010, Lillian resumed her work career at Panera in Hayward as a hostess/greeter until recent months.
Lillian led a full life, devoting herself to family and friends. She valued each day, viewed herself and others honestly and fairly, and was quick to listen. She saw beauty everywhere, loved travel and adventure, and was ever seeking new places and new faces. She was a counselor and confidante to people of all ages and social groups. She had a large extended family of neighbors and many employees and customers she had met at Panera over the years. She took many under wing as her own, without judgment, and was dearly loved and respected by all. She will forever be remembered for her positive outlook, kind heart, and strength of mind and spirit.
A graveside service will be held October 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Turlock Memorial Park, 425 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock. A luncheon will follow at the Assyrian American Civic Club, 2618 N. Golden State, Turlock.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
