WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Sandra Kay Rutter, age 71, of Limestone, died after courageously battling cancer for over ten years late Friday evening, November 29, 2024 at UPHS-Marquette. She was born on September 15, 1953 in Sturgis to the late Reuben “Pat” and Genevieve “Jenny” (Boals) Schwartz. Sandy grew up in Sturgis and while attending church, she met Lyle Rutter. Sandy and Lyle were married in 1971 and together they raised their two sons. In 1982, the Rutter family moved to the Upper Peninsula to go off grid and landed in Limestone. It was there that they lived in a small trailer with no running water or electricity. Over the years their trailer grew, but they continued without electricity for seven full years. By living this way there were less distractions and Sandy and Lyle helped teach their boys hard work ethics, the love of reading, and a passion for the outdoors.
When their boys grew older, Sandy went to Northern Michigan University and earned her associates degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She began her nursing career at Tendercare and then she went to work at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette. Sandy retired in 2018. She loved to garden, and her favorite color was red. Sandy enjoyed going out to eat with her sister, Diana, and she may hold the record for the most watched episodes of Little House on the Prairie. She was an integral part of her grandchildren’s lives. Sandy helped with daycare on her days off and would take them to the library, children’s museum, and the lakes where she taught them to swim. Those lessons of love and support followed Emma and Trent as they grew into adulthood, and she was still there supporting them in the numerous gymnasiums over the years.
Sandy loved music and enjoyed making a joyful noise. She and Lyle enjoyed taking rides in the woods and spending time at her son’s farm. Sandra was a true servant of the Lord. She was a member of the Limestone Baptist Church and enjoyed working there. Sandy was a prayer warrior every day, but on Thursdays, she mentioned every child in the church by name in her prayers.
She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law – Skip and Tracy and Luke and Naomi Rutter; grandkids – Emma and Trent Rutter; sister – Diana Kamphues; brothers-in-law – Duane and Larry; sisters-in-law – Linda and Elaine; and numerous nieces and nephews. Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, husband Lyle on November 20, 2023, brothers-in-law Lonnie Rutter and Roger Kamphues; grandparents Samuel and Effie Schwartz; and many aunts and uncles including Becky and Alta who held a special place in her heart.
Services will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at the Limestone Baptist Church in Limestone. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Pastor Ted Jolls will conduct Sandy’s funeral service at 1:00. Interment will be in the spring of 2025 at the Limestone Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Sandy’s name may be made to Limestone Baptist Church or WHWL The Gospel Opportunities Radio Network at 130 Carmen Dr., Marquette, MI 49855 or http://www.whwl.net/donate.html
Arrangements by Bowerman Funeral Home.
