Ruth Loraine Luker
Of Arlington Heights for 52 years

Ruth Loraine Luker, 80, was born May 18, 1929 in McAllen, Texas, to Rev. John and Monica (nee Michael) Elser. She died unexpectedly on Christmas Day, December 25, 2009, at the Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

After graduating from nursing school in 1952 at Germantown Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Ruth moved to Chicago and worked as a registered nurse at Passavant Hospital for several years. She was a devout Christian and was dedicated to her church. She volunteered her time to numerous church and school activities including the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She was a caregiver to many and devoted her life to caring for and enjoying her family and lifelong friends. She will be remembered dearly by all of them.

Ruth is survived by her beloved husband, Robert C. Luker, of 56 years, whom she married at First Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Chicago. She is also survived by her children: Sharon Luker of Plano, Texas; Carol (James) Walsh of Plano, Texas; Donald (Laura) Luker of Gurnee, Illinois; and Kenneth Luker of Santa Monica, California; her grandchildren: Tyler, Timarie and Zachary Luker; her sister Eunice Elser of Dallas, Texas and her many nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Elser.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at the Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road (4 blocks south of Palatine Road), Arlington Heights. She will lie in state at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, December 30, 2009, until the time of her Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 111 W. Olive Street, Arlington Heights. Interment will be at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Arlington Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran School, 111 W. Olive Street, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.