Carol Elisabeth (Ruffing) Wacker passed away May 8, 2024 at her home in Hemingford, NE.
Carol was born March 1, 1963 in the original St. Joseph Hospital in Alliance, NE. to Dr. John J. Ruffing Jr. and Patricia (Beehler) Ruffing. She attended the Hemingford Seventh Day Adventist Church School from Kindergarten through the eighth grade. Carol went on to attend Platte Valley Academy in Shelton, NE. and received her high school diploma in 1981. After completing her education Carol returned to Hemingford and worked for her father’s medical practice.
Carol went on to meet her husband Richard Keith Wacker on a blind date. The couple dated for roughly two years before tying the knot in an intimate ceremony at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Hemingford, NE. on June 30, 1991. Rick had his three daughters, Rachelle, Michelle and Melissa, prior to the union. The couple would then go on to have Bethany Joy Wacker, their first daughter together, on July 21, 1993.
Carol enjoyed many years being a stay at home mom to Bethany and wife to Rick. In addition to taking care of her day-to-day responsibilities as a mom, and wife, she made time for the hobbies that she so passionately loved. One of the hobbies that Rick and Carol enjoyed doing together was stained glass projects. Together they created many large windows in Box Butte Co., which included the stained glass windows in her home church.
Carol also loved sewing, cross-stitch and embroidery. Quite possibly the one hobby she loved the most was quilting, one in which her friends and family considered her a master of this lost art. Dear to her heart was the Quilts of Valor Organization where she created several patriotic themed quilts that were presented to U.S. service members. Carol went on to share her vast knowledge and passion for quilting with others by working at Pat’s Creative from 2002 until her passing. Carol also took great pride in being a member of the Box Butte County Fair Board for many years; she was looking forward to the upcoming 100th anniversary of the fair next year.
Carol is survived by her parents, Dr. John and Patricia Ruffing and her husband, Richard Wacker all of Hemingford, NE. Her brothers, Michael (Debbie) Ruffing of Denver, CO and Greg (Michelle) Ruffing of Las Vegas, NV, Her daughters Rachelle (Trent) Decker of Centennial, CO; Michelle (Jason) Schefcik of Hermosa, SD, Melissa Wacker of Omaha, NE and Bethany Wacker of Lincoln, NE. Carol also leaves behind her much loved grandchildren; Matthew and Maysyn Sorensen, Isabelle and Abigail Decker, and Landon, Brody and Ember Gentleman.
Having been a lifelong Hemingford resident Carol touched the lives and hearts of many; she will be greatly missed. The family recognizes two of Carol’s lifelong friends who she truly considered soul sisters; Sheri Reyes of Alliance, NE. and Lynda Novotny of Hemingford, NE.
Carol was preceded in death by her grandson Chance Decker.
Memorials can be sent to Rick Wacker, P.O. Box 431, Hemingford NE. 69348; for later designation to the Quilts of Valor Organization and the Box Butte Co. Fair Board in Carol’s name.
Visitation will be held at Bates-Gould Funeral Home, 521 Shoshone Ave, Hemingford NE; Monday, May 13, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 321 Shoshone Ave, Hemingford, NE with Pastor Edwin Bravatti officiating.
Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery directly after the service.
The family would like to extend an invitation following the graveside service to anyone who would like to join them for a meal and fellowship at the American Legion, 713 Box Butte, Hemingford, NE.