Carolyn Lee Davis (Rucker), 73, of Vincennes, passed away at 4:20am on October 25th, 2022 surrounded by her family in the comfort of home after a courageous battle, one fought hard and won, with ALS.
Carolyn was born June 6, 1949 in Pueblo, Colorado to Loughton Rucker and Hazel (Tabb) Harris, although loved and raised by Hazel and Hugh Harris in Kentucky.
Carolyn retired after 40 years of nursing, 23 years of which was spent as a nursing home administrator at Willow Manor and Oak Village. True to her nature, Carolyn worked until her body would no longer allow her to do so. Her love and compassion as a leader in the long-term care community was fueled by her most famous quote, “This will be us one day.”
Carolyn was always known to be “the little general”, always willing to work alongside those in her career, encouraging them to grow in their field, especially when they’d hear the “click clack” of her heels coming down the hallway. Carolyn enjoyed dancing and camping with her friends, as well as spending time with her fur babies, Mandi, Bailey, and Sammy.
Surviving include her sisters Wanda Boling (Jim), Cleda Eggers (Steve), Gail Settle (Ellis), and Marilyn Jones; children Jeff Davis (Mava), Melynda Stutsman (John), Melanie Guthrie, Chris Royal (Angie), Chad Royal, and Cassie Abel (Scott); Grandchildren Brittney Royal (Nathan), Rochelle Douglas (Nathaniel), Wesley Pinckley (Courtney), Rachel Davis, Logan Newton (Vanessa), Lindsi Royal, Brandi Milledge (Jon), D.J. Newton (Natasha), Kendall Stutsman, Alex Newton, Cassandra Royal, Josh Davis, Fox Stutsman, Hannah Royal, Emilee Guthrie, Emma Abel, and Archer Abel; along with 16 great-grandchildren.
Carolyn is also survived by her loving partner, Tom Webster, who shared seven wonderful years together, all the way until the time her journey ended.
Preceding her in death are her husband, Cleate Davis, whom she married on October 4th, 1973, two sons Ricky Davis and Andy Davis; and her parents Hugh & Hazel Harris.
The family would also like to extend a very special heartfelt thank you to the caregivers who cared for Carolyn for the last 15 months of her journey, allowing her to be cared for in the comfort of her home, creating a love for them that meant a lifetime to not only Carolyn, but her family. Thank you to Angela Carroll, Alishea Harsha, Cassi Bass, Sydney Allen, Joanna McCoy, Kizzy Higgins, Maggie Onken, and Pam Carter. Your love and dedication have truly been a blessing!
The family would also like to thank the team at Good Samaritan Hospice for their guidance, love, and support during the last month of Carolyn’s journey. The love that was showed by Charlotte Kaiser, Judy Culp, and Ashton Young created a sense of warmth and dignity during the most crucial of times.
Visitation will be held at Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home on Thursday October 27, 2022 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. The funeral will be held Friday, October 28, 2022 at noon at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Vincennes Animal Shelter for the compassion that Carolyn instilled in all animals. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Carolyn.
