Ronald Rutan

Ronald Rutan passed away on July 5, 2023. Please reference back for  an obituary. 

Ronald Lee Rutan was born on April 14, 1940 in Des Moines, Iowa to Charles Rutan and Cora Rowena Clouse. Ronald was also raised by Daniel Gibson growing up. He was educated through the Des Moines Public School System and graduated from Lincoln High School.

As a young man, Ronald established his own roofing business, named Rutan Roofing. After doing so for many years, he semi-retired and began long-distance, truck driving for Smithway Trucking, in his later years. Ronald was quite the handyman and was definitely a hard worker.

Ronald married his first love, Avis Jeanette Young Quinn. He later, married his second love, Betty Ann Rutan on September 21, 1979 and cared for her through 34 years until her passing.

Ronald played billiards for fun and was considered a pool shark. He enjoyed fishing for catfish with night-crawlers. He savored being outdoors and seeking the sun. Ronald was very health conscious and liked to stay active. He visited the senior center everyday and walked at Highland Park Mall. Ronald loved watching QVC and shopping. He often sent watches to his family members. When not shopping, he would catch the game show on TV. He travelled frequently to Oregon to visit family. Ronald was a funny man, who loved people. He was the best storyteller, and quite the jokester. He was not a shy man and never met a stranger. Ron was the most loving, kind, and sweet spirited person in the world.

Ronald Lee Rutan passed away on July 5, 2023. He was preceded in death by his first wife Avis Jeanette Young Quinn, and second wife, Betty Ann Rutan; step-son, Patrick Murphy; parents, Charles Henry Rutan and Cora Clouse Rutan; siblings, Mildred Marie Rutan, George Edward Rutan, Lawrence William Rutan, John Franklin Rutan, Henry (Hank) Blaine Rutan, Rena Gibson, Harold Gibson, Minnie Rutan and Charles Henry, Jr.

Ronald is survived by his children, Ronda Rutan Smith, Patsy Murphy (Auburn, WA), Betty Jo Murphy (Des Moines, IA), Crystal Rutan Conley, Tracy Leigh Cooper and ; half-brother, Clifford Gibson, grandchildren, Christopher Rutan, Andrew Lee Epperson, Chase Matthew Epperson, Matthew Corbin Epperson, Victoria Cooper, Phillip Cooper, Jackson Rutan, Brayden Cooper and Avery Cooper; nieces and nephews, Tyler Bliss, Ellen Bliss, Layana Ellis, Rory Bliss and a host of extended family and friends.