Robert William "Bob" Ruchensky

Robert William “Bob” Ruchensky

(October 8, 1930 – March 15, 2022)

Robert William “Bob” Ruchensky, 91, passed away peacefully in Farmington, NM after a brief illness.  Plans are being made for a celebration of life this summer in Farmington.

Bob was born October 8, 1930, in Sioux City, IA to Catherine (Bilunos) Conner and William Conner.  After the passing of William, Catherine married Stanley Ruchensky who later adopted Bob. 

Bob graduated from Sioux City East High School in 1949 followed by attending Morningside College in Sioux City before the start of his teaching and coaching career.  He went on to receive his bachelor’s in education from Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA.

He married Barbara Faith Bennett of Galva, IA on March 14, 1953, in Sioux City.   After stops in Little Rock, AR; Greely, CO; Mitchellville, IA; Schaller, IA and Carr, CO, the family settled in Farmington, NM in 1962.

In Farmington, Bob taught science at Hermosa Junior High School from August 1962 until 1992 before finishing his career at Kirtland, NM in 1995.   While at Hermosa, Bob started the wrestling program in addition to coaching track and football.

He was active in the National Education Association and often mentored young teachers.

Bob enjoyed fishing, hunting, the backcountry of San Juan County, frequent trips to southwest Colorado and keeping up with his beloved Denver Broncos.  He loved watching his grandsons play various sports as they were growing up and keeping track of his six great grandchildren. 

One of Bob’s favorite things to do was visiting with former students and athletes in and around San Juan County. He was always interested in where life had taken them and their families.

Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara, of Farmington; son, Tom, of Albuquerque, NM; daughter, Rhonda (Dan) Ashcraft of Albuquerque, NM; and son Michael (Lucille) of Chandler, AZ. Bob is also survived by four grandsons, Ryan Ashcraft of Scottsdale, AZ, Chris Ashcraft of Austin, TX, Eric Ruchensky of Flagstaff, AZ and Jared Ruchensky of Houston, TX, six great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother William “Bill” Ruchensky.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Farmington Regional Animal Shelter.