Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Twila LaDawn Tutrow

Twila Tutrow Obituary

Twila "LaDawn" Kulhanek Tutrow, 52 of East Nicolaus, CA, passed away on June 14, 2014, due to a tragic motorcycle accident. LaDawn was born on February 7, 1962, in Fruita, CO. During LaDawn's childhood she enjoyed spending summers with her siblings and cousins on their grandparent's farm in Loma, CO. She served 12 years in the US Air Force, Reno Air National Guard. LaDawn was the office manager for the Painter's Local Union 567 in Reno, NV. When she met the love of her life, John Rafter, she moved to East Nicolaus and was the office manager for the Ironworkers Local Union 118 in Sacramento. LaDawn also served on the Sutter County Grand Jury during the 2013-2014 term. She loved riding her Harley Davidson, gardening and was an incredibly generous gift giver all through the year. She cared for all animals, especially her dog, cats and chickens that no doubt have the fanciest chicken coop in Sutter County. She had the best bonfires surrounded by family and friends. LaDawn hosted great parties and her home was always festively decorated for the occasion. She liked bright colors, tie-dye, peace signs and had a large collection of Sun and Moon faces on her patio. When you enter her home, she has a Welcome sign that reads "Enter as Strangers leave as Friends". LaDawn will be missed greatly by everyone that she met. She was a free spirit and a very loving person. LaDawn is survived by her soul mate, John Rafter of East Nicolaus, CA; son, Casey and wife Rachel Thurman of Reno, NV; mother, Patricia Tarro of Rio Oso, CA; father, Gary Kulhanek and partner Judy of Grand Junction, CO; sister, Shellee and husband Kevin Gibbs; grandson, Brian Wichmann and nephew, Brandon Beachboard all of Reno, NV. Preceded in death by brother Michael Kulhanek; grandmother, Violet Hardrick; grandfather, Carl and wife Dale Hardrick and grandparents Antone Lloyd and Eva Lucial Kulhanek. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of LaDawn to Wounded Warriors at www.USO.org/donate or Yuba-Sutter SPCA, 745 Sutter St, Yuba City, CA 95991. Please come and celebrate LaDawn's all too short life on Saturday, June 28, 2014, at 1 pm at John and LaDawn's home in East Nicolaus, CA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Sacramento Bee on Jun. 19, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Twila Tutrow

29 Entries

Linda Hicklin

February 1, 2015

Think of you every day. Missed you in Vegas...But I'm sure you were with us in spirit....

GRACE SIMPSON

January 26, 2015

LADAWN I WILL MISS YOU.GLAD WE HAD BREAKFAST THAT MORNING AND SAT AND TALKER BEFORE WE WENT TO THE POKER RUN. IF ONLY WE HAD LEFT THE LAST POKER STOP SOONER MAYBE YOU WOULD BE HERE TODAY WITH US.

Scott Warren

June 24, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family !! I will miss you dearly!

Rick and everyone Annual Wild Game Feed

June 23, 2014

John, our condolences to you and your family on your loss. We hope your son heals quickly.

Golden Anchor Boat Club

June 22, 2014

Our deepest love and heartfelt sympathy go out to LaDawn's family and friends, as well as, to the others injured and impacted by this accident. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that so many people love, care, and will help in any way we can. We pray for strength and peace during this very difficult time. Ladawn's hair is blowing in the wind as she rides her Harley in the sky... one amazing Angel.

Linda Hicklin

June 22, 2014

Peace Out Sister! I will always remember you that way. You will be missed.

michelle embry

June 22, 2014

One of my best friends ever. Always such a strong influence on me. Always in my heart.

PEACE BE WITH YOU

RICHELLE (aka Ambrosia) PARR

June 22, 2014

my cousin LaDawn....remembering our days on grandma and grandpas farm when we were children....may you rest in peace and your spirit still remain with our family always....

June 21, 2014

oh my. im so sad we could not have been closer in the years i knew her before she left reno. i wish things could have been different, even for a day. that would have chaged the whole course of fate. Just oe minute more in her company.

Sharon and Vincent Coakley

June 21, 2014

We truly loved you, Ladawn. Although logistically we were far apart you will always be close in our hearts.

Linda Anderson

June 21, 2014

I worked with LaDawn at NutriSystems in Reno. She was funny, kind and a friend to all. I am so sorry for your loss.

Anna Isaacs

June 20, 2014

So.....very sorry. We met LaDawn only a few times, and she was a beautiful woman. Inside and out. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Friends and family. Sincerely, Gary and Anna Isaacs,

Carrie Ann Prince

June 20, 2014

Casey, Rachel & Brian,
My heart goes out to and you're always in my prayers!

Pat,
Sorry for your loss!

Terrie Elgin

June 20, 2014

I worked with Ladawn at Bens making baskets. She was one of a kind. So many interesting stoies she told. I was just thinking about her the other day. RIP pretty lady

Dar & Woody

June 20, 2014

I truly miss you my LOVELY LADY..
..God has special plans for you, that's why you were called to him at such a young age.
Our prayers are with "Rafter Man" in his loss, of such a wonderful partner in life.
To her family and friends, we share,in you loss as well.... LaDawn was chosen by the hand of God to help him spread sunshine & love from above,to ALL the lives she touched while here on earth... You will surely be missed & FOREVER & EVER LOVED!!

Dar & Woody

June 20, 2014

You will always be in our thoughts and prayers... May God shine his light on you and forever hold you in his arms

June 20, 2014

My condolences to the family of a good friend and fellow Guardsmen We will miss her.

Robert & Lorene Templeton (local 790)

June 19, 2014

Our condolences to the family and loved ones of LaDawn. May she ride with the Angels.

Ken and Kimbrly Barber

June 19, 2014

We are so sorry for the family's loss. We met LaDawn a few times with the Iron Workers motorcycle group. She was well love and will be missed.

kat & Michael Canyon fellow local 377

June 19, 2014

Our local Iron worker , we are so sorry to hear of our sister Ironworker/ motorcycle sister of Ladawn's passing-we send our love -she is with the Angel's ,as a angel-riding her iron in the sky

Michelle Villagrana

June 19, 2014

My heart is full of Sadiness but my heRt feel the joy of know you are forever going to watch over me and all the ones u love I will miss you always love ya sista

June 19, 2014

we have lost a beautiful soul, but heaven has gained a bright light that shine's down on all of us. STEVE & BELINDA EMPSON 378

Leslee Arnold

June 19, 2014

My lady biker friend, Kenny & I (Leslee) love you forever! I'm so glad we were blessed to see you again before you had to go back home with God. John, Jason & your family, may you have peace & comfort through these tough days! Love & see you soon...

In honor of a special lady who truly lived by the meaning of PEACE as she always was smiling and peaceful & full of life..

Dennis & Adele Bews

June 19, 2014

John & Family Dennis and I are so sorry for this senseless loss. Ladawn was such a beautiful person and touched all of our lives in a special way. She will never be forgotten as we will continue to hold her dear to our hearts. Our prayers are with all of you at this difficult time, we were BLESSED to of had her in our lives.

Beverly High

June 19, 2014

I'm sorry for your family's loss. Prayers for Jason for a quick recovery and prayers for John and the Rafter family. God's speed Twila.

Paul Haggard

June 19, 2014

Had the honor of meeting LaDawn just before her passing.
My heart goes out to John, Jason & the whole family. From my family to yours, "God Bless."

ginger head

June 19, 2014

We will miss you. your brite smile and Tied dyed shirts.

Gale & Rod Glover

June 18, 2014

LaDawn was a lovely soul and will be missed by the Glover side of the family. Our hearts are with you John and LaDawn's family.