Vicki RUTTER

January 10, 1956 - January 4, 2025

Patagonia - Vicki passed away in Patagonia, AZ on January 4, 2025, at the age of 68. Vicki was born in Spokane, WA, to parents, Louie and Vivian Dragnich and lived in Republic, WA, where she developed a life-long passion for riding horses and caring for animals. She shared her childhood with her brothers Larry, Terry, and Nick. After graduating high school, she moved to Spokane, WA, and started working for James S. Black, then as a CPA for McDirmid, Mikkelsen & Secrest. Vicki's passion in life was all about the horses. In 1983, she began Endurance riding and was a member of the American Endurance Ride Conference, competing and volunteering for the organization. She competed in 50- and 100-mile rides, accumulating almost 20,000 total miles in her 23 years of competition. To add to her active and hard-working life of horses and accounting, in 1984, she married Stephen Rutter, M.D. They remained in Spokane until 1994, when they retired and moved to warmer weather in Patagonia, AZ, where they built a small ranch where Vicki could spend even more time with her beloved horses. Steve became active in Endurance competitions as well and volunteered at the vet check stations. After retiring her spurs and saddles from Endurance competition, Vicki's love and dedication to animals continued as she would adopt and foster dozens of horses, dogs and cats. Vicki was preceded in death by her mother and father, and her brother, Terry (Melinda, living). Vicki is survived in death by her husband, Steve; brothers, Nick and Larry (Lori); and stepson, Bret (Lisa); along with numerous nieces, nephews and dear cousins. Vicki is fondly remembered by the many valued friends, those old and new. Vicki's memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her and the dedication she maintained her entire life, for the care of animals. Memorial donations can be made in Vicki's name to Equine Voices, P.O. Box 1685, Green Valley, AZ 85622 or at www.equinevoices.org