Geraldine "Jheri" Rutter

Mrs. Geraldine "Jheri" Rutter died peacefully in her home on Saturday, March 28, 2015 in Midland, Texas at the age of 74. Jheri is survived by her husband, A.W. "Bill" Rutter, Jr.; children, John "Jack" James Fleet, III of Houston, Texas, Joe Chastain Fleet of Brussels, Belgium, and Geraldine "Dina" Fleet Berry of Bellingham, Washington; grandchildren, Leah Ingold, Tristan Ingold, Leo Chastain, Chloé Chastain, Lana Chastain, Liam Chastain, Pepper and Garcia Berry; and by her sister, Marthanelle Jones of Tulsa, Oklahoma. She is preceded in death by her mother and father. Mrs. Geraldine Francis Chastain Fleet Rutter, AKA "Salty," was born May 10, 1940 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Geraldine and Joe Chastain. In her youth, 1944, she went with her family to Salta, Argentina before her family moved to Midland, Texas in 1946. At the age of 12, she illustrated her first book, Ku Chan, written by Mary Rea. She graduated from Midland High School in 1957. She went to University of Oklahoma and William Woods University. She graduated from the University of Denver with degrees in Public Relations and Communications. In 1960, she married John James Fleet, II of Dallas, Texas. They had three children. Four years ago, she met the love of her life, Bill Rutter, Jr. Jheri was accomplished at writing. As a speech writer, she wrote for international and national CEOs, politicians, and celebrities, including Corozan Aquino, President of the Philiipines. As a published writer, she was a member of the Authors Guild, Western Writers of American, Women's Writing Guild, Austin Writer's League, Tulsa Nightwriters and West Texas Writers. She authored more than 2000 national and regional articles, as well as six books. She created the National Magazine Editors' Conference which resulted in hundreds of magazine assignments for Texas writers. She was also accomplished at strategy and tactics of public relations. She was passionate about the arts and civic non-profits. She served on the boards in Dallas, Denver, and Midland, including Dallas Junior Symphony, Opera Action of Dallas, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Civic Ballet. She served on the board of governors of Colorado Symphony Orchestra. In Midland, she served on the board of Midland-Odessa Symphony and Orchestra. She was a member of the Midland Mineral and Gem society. As a silver smith, she designed jewelry. After training from the Proper Dog Training School, under the tutelage of Jeremy Burns, she was able to become involved in the Midland Dog Therapy Program that visits hospitals, nursing homes, and cancer treatment centers with her amazing Great Dane/Mastiff cross-breed, Duke. A memorial is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Midland. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Hospice of Midland, University of Oklahoma or William Woods University. The family would like to thank Brenda, Christina, Terri of Hospice of Midland and for Maria Torres for their care. They would also like to thank the Philipe Garcia family for their care, dedication, love, and support. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.