Anna Rae Hansen Rueckert, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away in Draper, Utah on July 6th, 2022 surrounded by her loving husband and children. She was born in Salt Lake City on February 2nd, 1931 to L. Dewey and Clara Midgley Hansen, the second of three daughters. She graduated from South High School in 1948, where she made lasting friendships. The “Club “ (close girlfriends) has continued to meet together for over 73 years.
It was at South High School that Anna Rae met her eternal companion, Sperry. They were married on December 26th, 1952 in the Salt Lake Temple and spent almost 70 wonderful years together. Four beautiful children were born into their family. Anna Rae was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in numerous callings. The most important things in her life were her family and the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, along with her testimony of the prophet, Joseph Smith. Anna Rae loved to read scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. She served with Sperry as Member Services missionaries. She discovered a love for tennis in her youth and continued to play until she was 80 years old. She loved music and sang in every ward choir wherever they lived.
The happiest days of Anna Rae’s life were centered around her family and spending time with them. She found great joy and pride in developing her homemaking skills and she was an award-winning baker and extraordinary cook. She loved supporting her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their activities.
Anna Rae is survived by her husband Sperry; children Teri Nelson, Joni (David) Robison, Brian (Mindy) Rueckert and Marc (Angela) Rueckert. She is also survived by her sisters Beverly Morris and Marilyn Cook; 29 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and 41 ¾ great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, and son-in-law Dan Nelson.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 18th at 11:00 AM at the Little Cottonwood 5th Ward Chapel, 6350 South Rodeo Lane, Murray. A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 17th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the same ward chapel and one hour prior to the funeral on Monday. Interment will be held at Salt Lake City Cemetery, 4th Avenue and N Street. To view previously held services please visit https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/cyYdJ0-BbhvIOjkLlnuzD4WGkoMPkz1zhd__0pCfKYoo12GmqfByXw15zNCnyJj7.POtWAUBtC-VEFQe_?startTime=1658162578000
I was a little kid when the Rueckert's lived in the old Murray 9th ward. I remember Sister Rueckert in the primary, although I don't remember her position, and I remember brother Rueckert being an excellent organ player. My condolences to the family.
