LaJuana Rueckert

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend LaJuana Nora Owens Huffaker Rueckert returned home to her Heavenly Father on June 24, 2023. LaJuana was born March 12, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to John Edwin and Juliana Dorathy Helena Marie Schutze Owens. She grew up in Utah and Oregon and married Darwin C. Huffaker, her high school sweetheart, on June 13, 1955. He died in an industrial accident on September 12, 1956. She married Richard Adam Rueckert, her “Mister Wonderful”, on November 12, 1962. Together they raised six beautiful children. He preceded her in death on February 10, 2000.
LaJuana was a wonderful wife and mother, a talented cook, seamstress, and homemaker. She loved making candy at Christmas time for family and friends. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and made many beautiful afghans and other items for her family. She loved spending time outdoors and was especially happy when spending time with her family. LaJuana was a caring and thoughtful person and while her health permitted, she often helped and served others in her community who were in need.
LaJuana was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved her Savior and had a strong testimony of the gospel. As a young woman she faithfully served in the West Central States Mission after which she attended the University of Utah and worked for First Security Bank. When her children were raised, she returned to the workforce and retired from Merit Medical.
LaJuana is survived by her children: Gloria, Timothy (Ruby), Stephen, Paul, and Sara (Anne); 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, brother Quenten (Ivy) Owens, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, husbands, daughter Rebecca Pack, granddaughter Tiffanie Lopez, grandson Owen Rueckert, and sister Margo Petty.
Viewing will be held from 9:00-10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home, 4760 S State Street, Murray, UT 84107. Graveside services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Salt Lake City Cemetery. Interment will follow services.