Ronald "Ron" D. Rutz Sr.

Ronald (Ron) D. Rutz, Sr. 

 Ron Rutz, age 71 of Richland, passed away on June 12th, 2016 in Spokane WA at Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane, WA. 

 Ron was born March 24th 1945 in Sunnyside, WA to Jake and Katherine Rutz.  He attended school in Sunnyside and graduated with the Class of 1963.  After graduation he served in the National Guard.  Ron worked for the Yakima County Public Works and retired from the SVID. 

 Ron loved sports.  He loved football, baseball and basketball.  It didn't matter if it was high school, college or pro.  He knew the players, their position, stats and history.  Ron attended many high school games. Ron LOVED Seahawk football! 
A few of the other things he loved were muscle cars, Nascar, food, social events, class and family reunions.  He loved to talk!  He was not shy and could talk to anyone about anything.  He looked for the good in people. He loved to sing and was a member of the Lower Valley Musical Comedy Company in the 80s. 
First and foremost, Ron's main love was his family.  He loved it when everyone was able to get together to celebrate a birthday or the holidays.  He loved to give and receive gifts but what he most looked forward to was the food.  He loved a delicious meal! 
Ron is preceded in death by his parents, his son Chris, sister Betty and brother Ray. 

 He is survived by his wife Betty (Richland), sons, Ron Jr. and Nicholas (Brittnie). Also by Colleen (Ed) Mendoza, Rod (Dacia) Smith, Natalie (Scott) Deatherage, Pam (Chad) Wentz, Cameron (Darlene) Smith, Chad (Michele) Smith, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nephews and nieces. 

 The following is a Facebook post by granddaughter Chelsea Smith that expresses all of our feelings. 

 "I left my hometown today with a heavy heart. As a child, I thought grandparents were invincible...I actually carried that thought with me to adulthood. But then reality set in this past weekend. Our whole family would agree that Grandpa Ron was taken too suddenly and too soon. Family was his passion, never an obligation. He never missed a game or a holiday or an important day to his grandkids. He will always be present, even if not physically. Even though I haven't grasped the concept of what has happened, my heart is always with you Grandpa. We love you." 

 The family would like to express its many thanks to the doctors, nurses and hospital staff for all of their care and concern to Ron and his family at Kadlec Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital. 

 Services will be held on Friday, June 17, 2016 at 10:00 am at Smith Funeral Home 528 S 8th Street Sunnyside, WA 98944. Burial will follow at East Prosser Cemetery in Prosser, WA.  Those wishing to sign Ron’s online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com Smith Funeral Homes in care of arrangements.
 

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