Rosemary Tucker, one-time owner of Tucker Tire Co., died Mar. 20 at her home in Fallbrook, Calif., after a brief illness. She was 87. 
She was born in Butler, Pa., and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. At the end of the war, she was stationed at Norton Air Force Base in San Bernardino, Calif. While there, she met Don Tucker, and they were married in 1945. Six children followed: Tom, John, Terry, Mary, Jim, and Jeanie. In 1956, Don and Rosemary started Tucker Tire Co. in Covina, Calif. She became sole owner in 1965 with her husband’s death.
Over her career, Tucker received many honors including Small Business Person of the year in California in 1978. She finished third in the nation with that honor, and President Jimmy Carter presented the award to her. She also received a Distinguished Service Award for helping start the first hospice in Covina. She also served on the board of the Inter-Community Hospital in Covina, was active with the Covina Chamber of Commerce, and was vice-president for the Southern California Tire Dealers Association.
Sons Tom and Jim continue to manage Tucker Tire in Corvina, while John opened a second location in Laguna Nigel, Calif. She was survived by her children, 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
