Jan Rucker was my best friend since 7th grade, in Ms Gighnatti's homeroom. We wound up in Beginning Band together, which meant 8th and 9th grades were spent in Mr Ling's homeroom. From the safety of Ling's protection, Jan and I misbehaved just about every chance we got. The mischievous act that stood out most for both of us, was when we rolled/threw water balloons down the hallway right outside our homeroom door. Because we'd been "gone to the ladies room" way too long, Ling peeked out and asked what we were doing. Jan was closest to him and said, "Just throwing water balloons!" Ling demanded the balloon Jan was holding and she gleefully gave it to him. However, she didnt get to tell him that the open end had not been tied off yet. Yeah, he was ticked. Wet and ticked!! But even then, Jan and I couldn't control our laughter! Our lives from there on out, were full of laughter and love. We kept in touch our whole lives and spoke often on the phone- especially lately. The last call I received from her, just a few days before she passed, was just to tell me she loved me. I will miss you, Precious Friend, and I will carry our memories in my heart always. I love you.
Sharon Johnson (Bethany) (1970)
Jan Rucker was my best friend since 7th grade, in Ms Gighnatti's homeroom. We wound up in Beginning Band together, which meant 8th and 9th grades were spent in Mr Ling's homeroom. From the safety of Ling's protection, Jan and I misbehaved just about every chance we got. The mischievous act that stood out most for both of us, was when we rolled/threw water balloons down the hallway right outside our homeroom door. Because we'd been "gone to the ladies room" way too long, Ling peeked out and asked what we were doing. Jan was closest to him and said, "Just throwing water balloons!" Ling demanded the balloon Jan was holding and she gleefully gave it to him. However, she didnt get to tell him that the open end had not been tied off yet. Yeah, he was ticked. Wet and ticked!! But even then, Jan and I couldn't control our laughter! Our lives from there on out, were full of laughter and love. We kept in touch our whole lives and spoke often on the phone- especially lately. The last call I received from her, just a few days before she passed, was just to tell me she loved me. I will miss you, Precious Friend, and I will carry our memories in my heart always. I love you.