After a long period of declining health, Emelie Ruth Plunkett 82, of Globe, Arizona was called to be with her Savior on July 19,2026. She was born on July 13,1944 in, Tucson, Arizona to Arnold and Marion Ruppel. Emelie received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tucson.

Emelie graduated from Catalina High School in Tucson, Arizona in 1962. She attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. She then became a full-time teacher in Peridot after graduation from college where she met her husband Larry Plunkett and they were married in 1971. She then took some time off from teaching. She eventually went back to teaching part-time as a substitute teacher at Globe and Miami High Schools and then to full-time teaching special education for the San Carlos School District where she taught until she retired.

Emelie was an active member of Church of Christ in Globe for more than 50 years. She was active in teacher affiliations in her community as well as her political party in Globe, regularly helping at the polls during elections.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Emelie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She was known for her skilled hands in crochet, creating countless pieces with warmth and care. A loyal fan of Arizona sports, she delighted in watching the Arizona Diamondbacks, Phoenix Suns, and University of Arizona baseball and basketball. These moments of excitement, shared with friends and family, are fondly remembered as times of laughter and camaraderie. Emelie's love for her pets kept comfort and companionship throughout her life.

She is survived by her sister Helen Potucek, brother James Ruppel (Karen) and her nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Emelie is preceded in death by her husband Larry Plunkett, parents Arnold and Marion Ruppel, brother-in-law Kenneth Potucek, and her nephew Bryce Taylor.

Funeral Service for Emelie will be on August 8,2026 at Lamont Mortuary of Globe. Viewing will be held at 2:00pm and a Christian Funeral Service will be at 3:00pm. Burial will conclude services at Globe Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Globe Church of Christ, PO Box 1373, Globe, AZ 85502 or High Desert Humane Society, Globe, AZ https://hdhsglobe.org/ in Emelie's memory.