Robert Kelly Ruck

Robert Kelly Ruck, age 54, of Sacramento, California passed away on April 2, 2023.  Robert died with his loving girlfriend, Amy Smith, and little sister Chrissy Rudd, by his side.  

Robert was born in El Paso, Texas to Fred “Marty” Ruck and Glenda (Williams) Fara and got the eternal nickname "Ruck" during his years at Eastwood High School in El Paso where he graduated in 1986. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas at Austin in 1995 and remained a loyal Texas Longhorns fan, “Hook ‘Em!”. After graduating from UT Austin, Robert lived in San Diego, CA before eventually moving to Davis, CA to attend law school.  He received The Degree of Juris Doctor from The University of California at Davis Law School in 2001. He had many fond memories of the friendships he made while attending UC Davis. Robert became a member of the State Bar of California as an Attorney in 2001. He moved to Sacramento, CA in 2001 and began his career as a criminal defense attorney. In Robert’s capacity as a criminal defense attorney, he was a staunch advocate and defender to his many clients. He was loved by his many co-workers and colleagues who found his marvelous wit, insight, and creativity around difficult situations to be a tremendous asset in the fight for Justice. Robert will be missed tremendously by many in the Sacramento legal community. 

In 2005 Robert met the love of his life, Amy Smith, and their 18 years together were filled with love, fun, and many wild adventures. Robert quickly became friends with everyone he met. Robert will always be remembered for his laugh, how a quick hello could turn into a long conversation, and as a dedicated friend who was always there when you needed him. He loved animals and his many pets over the years brought him great joy. He had a full life and had a strong sense of gratitude for all he knew. He made a difference in so many lives and the world is a better place because of him and in his final gift, he gave his organs to help even further. Robert is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed. 

Robert is preceded in death by his father Fred “Marty” Ruck, his mother Glenda (Williams) Fara, his paternal grandparents Fred and Sid Ruck, and his maternal grandparents Robert and Loimys Williams. Robert is survived by Amy Smith, his devoted girlfriend of 18 years, his sister Christine Rudd and nephews Cody Benson and Evan Rudd. The list is long of family and friends who will be missing him from Sacramento to Texas to Florida to Ohio.  "At the end of the day" his death will be felt by numerous extended family members, his many friends, and his beloved pet cats that are heartbroken in his absence. 

Memorials for Robert will be scheduled at a later date. Donations in his memory can be made to the Sacramento Front Street Shelter or the Sacramento SPCA.