Dorothy E. Ruklic

November 7, 1941 - January 15, 2021

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our loving and devoted mother, grandmother and friend, Dorothy E. Ruklic. Dorothy, of Manteno, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 AMITA St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, at the age of 79. Dorothy was born November 7, 1941 in Blue Island, the daughter of Frank & Dorothy Gimbel Zabrockas. She attended grammar school at St. Mary’s School in Dolton and then high school at St. Willibrord’s in Chicago. Dorothy married her loving husband, Richard Ruklic on April 28, 1962 at St. Mary’s Church in Dolton. He preceded her in death. She was the beloved mother of David Ruklic of Tinley Park, Cheryl Ridgley of Manteno, and Barry (Karen) Ruklic of Grangeville, ID; proud grandmother of Ryan, Kendall, Clay, Owen, Paige, and Cole; loving sister of Mary Lou Lambert of Scottsdale, AZ; and aunt and great-aunt to family in Illinois and Arizona. In addition to her loving and devoted husband, Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Pam Ruklic; and her brother, William. Dorothy lived a full life as a wonderful and amazing mother and grandmother. She loved to travel far and wide - with family and friends alike. She was the kindest, sweetest, mother who devoted her life to her family. Sunday dinners at her house were her way of keeping the family together. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren, and they with her. They affectionately called her “Grams” and she loved it. One of their favorite pastimes was standing next to her and reminding her how short she was. She would just laugh. Above all, Dorothy loved her family and instilled in each of them strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2021 at Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the 10:00 a.m. funeral Mass on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Manteno. (St. Joseph Church will be streaming the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m.)