Rhea Elaine (Diehl) Tucker was born at home, the second of three girls, to Austin Young Diehl and Ruth Elizabeth Hawk on September 28, 1938 in Enterprise, Kansas. In her own words:

"When I was three years old, my family moved to California in the Upland area where my younger sister was born. We moved quite often in the Southern California area where I attended different schools. I graduated from Poly High School and went to work for the telephone company as an operator.

While in high school, I enjoyed riding my horse and I also rode in parades. I also enjoyed playing tennis.

In 1959, I met Dale Tucker and we were married in February of 1960. We had seven children.

I lived in Southern California for 53 years. When Dale retired, we moved to Montana in 1995 and while he built our house, I went to work. I worked at the El Western for two years, then at the Ennis Pharmacy for 20 years.

I took up archery with Dale. I sewed, knitted, and did cross-stitch. I liked to play games, even when I lose. I started bowling when I worked as a telephone operator and played when we moved to Montana."

Rhea was preceded in death by her daughter, Ruth Yvonne, as well as her parents, sisters, and her husband (2024).