Willis Rutz of 316 S. Tell Street of Enterprise Kansas and formerly of Hope area, died Wednesday January 30, 2019 at Abilene Memorial Hospital at the age of 89. He was born September 10, 1929 near Dillon and was a retired farmer of Hope and foundry supervisor for over 30 years. On April 06, 1950 he married Carol Louise Chrisco of Enterprise. He was a life member of New Basel United Church of Christ.
Willis (Bill) Rutz was a proud veteran of the service, serving in the Army and fought in the Koran War. He was a lifetime member of the American Legions both of Hope and Abilene Kansas for 51 years.
Survivors include his wife, Carol Rutz of the home; two sons Willis W. Rutz (Billy), Mike Rutz, and daughter Susie Holloway. Willis W. Rutz (Billy) and daughter Stephanie Morgan of Battle Ground Washington, Mike Rutz (Renauda) of Enterprise Ks., daughter Julia Cooper (Curt) Inara and Jemma of Hoxie Ks., Daniel Rutz (deceased) of Enterprise Ks., Amy Rutz (Jesse) friend, of Manhattan Ks,. and Susan Holloway (Charlie) of Soloman Ks, sons Jamie (Shawn) son Layne of Holland Ks., Brian Holloway (Dawn) of Abilene Ks., sons Tyler, and Cooper.
From ten brothers and sisters, Bill Rutz is also survived by two brothers, Jim Rutz (Emma Beth) from Goodland Ks., and Ray Rutz from Channelview Texas, and three sisters Betty Riffel of Herington Ks., Joyce Gaston (Tom) of Abilene Ks., and Shirley Pennington (Johnny) of New Castle Indiana. He was preceded in death by Jacob and Valene Rutz (parents) of Hope Ks., Katherine Holdridge (sister) of Co., Gloria Riffel (sister) of Hope Ks., Wayne Rutz (brother) of Abilene Ks., Carol Lindsay Stromgren (sister) of Abilene Ks. Bill will be missed by all including his nieces and nephews.
Willis (Bill) had a love for his family and farming, and was always willing to help anyone who needed help and could solve any problem. He was a great husband, great father, and one which his family could be proud to call him their husband, father and grandfather, dad you will truly be missed but not forgotten we love you.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home Abilene Kansas.
Funeral services will start at 2:00P.M. Feb. 8, 2019 at New Basel United Church of Christ 1075 1100 Avenue with Rev. William Graves officiating. Burial will follow the services in the church cemetery. Refreshments will be served following the services. There will be a procession leaving the funeral home to the Church at 1:15P.M on Feb. 8th.
The family suggest memorial contributions be given to the American Legion Post 39 of Abilene Kansas in lieu of flowers and may be sent in care of the Martin-Becker-Carlson Funeral Home, 414 NW 3rd, Abilene, Kansas 67410. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.martinbeckercarlson.com.