SAMUEL "ED" RUTTER Jr.

SAMUEL "ED" RUTTER JR. Samuel Edward "Ed" Rutter Jr., 92, died Sunday, December 24, 2023, at his home in Jacksonville, IL. He was born September 10, 1931, in Dodge City, KS, the son of Sam and Pearl (Henry) Rutter. Ed grew up in Dodge City with his parents and sister, Mary. He graduated from Dodge City High School in 1949, before embarking on an adventurous life, serving in the Air Force during the Korean war, and later attending college in Mexico City and Eugene, Oregon. He married Dorothy Bartlett in 1957, and they settled down in Garden City, KS, where Ed began a long career in insurance, eventually establishing Rutter/Cline Associates, and in public service, while raising three children. Ed was an avid golfer, spending much of his leisure time on the links and enjoying low-stakes games of gin and cribbage. After divorcing in 1980, Ed then retired from insurance in 1991. Whilst in retirement, Ed met, fell in love with, and married Susan Steele in 1999. Ed and Susan moved to Jacksonville, IL, in 2006, where he lived out the golden years of his life. In Jacksonville, Ed was a devoted husband, an active member of his church, an amateur gardener, a gregarious storyteller and an accomplished artist, specializing in oil on canvas portraits and silversmithing. Ed led a joyful life. He loved to laugh and was quick witted until the end. He enjoyed taking long drives down roads he didn't know, an adventurous philosophy that marked his life. His fun-loving spirit will stay with all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Susan Rutter; three children, Marc Rutter (Kim) of Lemon Grove, CA, Jon Rutter (Mary) of Muncie, IN and Joni Rutter (Patrick) of Silver Spring, MD; five grandchildren, Ali Bliss (Domique) of San Diego, CA, Sam Goodman (Lisa) of Sparta, MI, Lincoln, Lucy and Woody Rutter of Muncie; two great grandchildren, Juna and Aia Goodman; and two nieces, Rhonda Mock (Omo) and Terri Omo. Ed is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Mary, and niece Dana Omo. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville, IL, with visitation starting 10:00 AM and luncheon following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials given to the American Diabetes Association.