Ivia Joan Rucker Adams-Capps died May 22, 2007. She was 74.
Mrs. Adams-Capps was born Jan. 24, 1933, near Wallowa at the home of her parents, Elmer L. and Itol E. Rucker. The family moved to Irrigon in 1934. In 1951, she graduated from high school, married Donald L. Adams and began her career with Umatilla Electric Company. She had three sons.
She was a charter member of Altrusa International of Hermiston, a 4H leader, a Cub Scout den mother and active in Home Extension and PTA.
She continued her career at Umatilla Electric, starting as a cashier and spending the last 17 years as Materials Manager. She served on the Northwest Public Power – Engineering Operations Committee and was an honorary lifetime member of Northwest Public Power. She retired in 1993.
In November of 1978 she married James Capps. They built a new home on the Rucker family farm and enjoyed raising animals, traveling everywhere, and being involved with Jim’s children.
In 1995, they moved to Dallas, Oregon. After her husband’s death in 2003, she stayed active in the community by volunteering at the Blood Bank, being active as Elder and Deacon at the First Presbyterian Church and traveling in her motor home with the Oregon Good Sam Trail Duster chapter.
She is survived by three of her seven siblings: Jack Rucker of Kansas City, KS; Bud Rucker of Tucson, AZ and Louis Rucker of Arlington; children and step children: Susan Barren and her two children and one granddaughter; Robert Steven and Robin Adams and their children Amy and Michael; Mark Randall and Nancy Adams; Scott Douglas Adams; Mary Ann Wright and her two children and two grandchildren; James Michael Capps and his son and one grandchild; and adopted son Bill Capps.
A Celebration of the Life will be held at 11 a.m. June 9 at the Dallas First Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception/luncheon. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to Dallas First Presbyterian Church-Memorial Fund, 879 SW Levens Street, Dallas, OR 97338 or Dogs for the Deaf-OGS Trail Dusters, 10175 Wheeler Road, Central Point, OR 97502.
Wallowa County Chieftain, May 31, 2007