Jean Rueter

Jean Rueter, age 100, of Rockaway Borough, NJ, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.
Born in Scranton, PA, to the late James and Freida O'Brien, Jean was raised in Rockaway and remained a lifelong resident of the borough she so dearly loved.
Mrs. Rueter dedicated her life to nursing and community service. She served as the Maternal and Child Health Nurse for the Borough of Rockaway and was the school nurse at Lincoln Elementary School from 1944 to 1949 and again from 1965 until her retirement in 1989. Her career in public health was marked by compassion and commitment, touching the lives of countless families.
Jean was also the first Recycling Coordinator appointed in Rockaway Borough, playing a vital role in establishing the town's recycling program by securing grant funding. She served for an impressive 48 years on the Borough of Rockaway Board of Health and gave over four decades of volunteer service to numerous local organizations.
A passionate historian, Jean was a founding member of the Rockaway Borough Historical Committee and remained active in preserving the town's heritage for many years.
Her spiritual life was deeply rooted in the United Methodist Church of the Rockaways, where she was a devoted member for more than 80 years. She also enjoyed fellowship and service through senior groups such as Cream of the Crop, Rockaway Super Seniors, Young at Heart, and the Denville Golden Age. Additionally, she served on the Morris County Juvenile Justice Committee for many years.
Jean's lifetime of service was widely recognized. In 2006, she was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of the Rockaways. She was also a recipient of the Living Treasure Award and is among the few individuals inducted into Thomas Jefferson Middle School's Wall of Fame.
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Rueter, and her son, John Rueter.
She is survived by three children: Timothy Rueter (Carol), Cynthia Rueter and Robert Rueterfour grandchildren: Robert T. Rueter (Melanie), James A. Rueter (Samantha), Timothy Rueter (Amanda), and Dr. Brian Rueter as well as three great-grandsons: Bennett Rueter, Nathan Rueter, and Mason Rueter.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 2:00 - 5:00 PM at Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home, 20 Keller Ave, Rockaway, NJ. A funeral service will take place on Monday, April 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at the funeral home; doors will open at 9:30 AM. Entombment will follow at Restland Memorial Park in East Hanover, NJ.
Condolences may be shared at: RockawayFuneral.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mrs. Rueter's name may be directed to:
-Rockaway Borough Fire Department via rockawayfire.com
-Rockaway Borough PBA Local 268, 33 Maple Ave, Rockaway, NJ 07866