Selma Eloise (Olson) Rukas, 92
Was an active citizen of Westminster

WESTMINSTER - Selma Eloise (Olson) Rukas, 92, of West Princeton Road, died Tuesday, March 18, 2008, in Clinton Hospital.

Mrs. Rukas was born in Gardner on April 24, 1915, the daughter of Nils John and Selma (Andersen) Olson and graduated from Gardner High School in 1932.

She had been a bookkeeper at First Safety Fund Bank in Gardner before retiring several years ago. Prior to that she had worked at the Florence Stove Co. in Gardner, Goodnow Pearson's in Gardner and in the cafeteria at the Westminster Elementary School.

Mrs. Rukas had been a member of First Lutheran Church in Gardner and the church's Dorcas Society, the Westminster Senior Citizen Club, the Westminster Women's Club, and the Westminster Rock & Mineral Club. She had been a member and leader in the Girl Scouts of America.

When she was young she enjoyed archery, marksmanship, art and the drum and bugle corps. She loved music and enjoying singing. She was a member of the choir and at home played piano, organ and ukulele. She was an avid mystery reader and loved nature.

Mrs. Rukas is survived by three daughters, Barbara Amburgey and her husband, Carson, of Fitchburg, Jane Lee and her husband, Robert of Brewster, N.Y., and Joan Paul and her husband, Stuart, of Leominster; a son, John Rukas of Lunenburg; eight grandchildren, Alexander Paul, Andrew Paul, Joshua Hamel, Allison Kimball, Daniel Rukas, Ryan Minerd, Robin Minerd, and Tyler Lee; six step-grandchildren, Patricia, Laura, Cheryl, Shelle, Karen and Nicole; and several nieces and nephews, including Nancy Brideau of Atlanta, Ga. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Rukas, and her sister, Emelie Cummings.

Silas F. Richardson & Son Funeral Home of Leominster directed arrangements.