Alta Elaine Rutland

She was preceded in death by her parents, August and Ethel Harries, husband, Rix Rutland, Sr., son, Rix, Jr., brother, Myron Harries and sisters, Vera Wall and June Galloway.

Alta is survived by her son, John Rutland and his wife, Kaye; grandchildren, Michael Rutland and wife, Candy and Robyn Coleman and husband, Doug; great-grandsons, Ben and Noah; great-granddaughter, Leslie; great-great granddaughter, Tatum and numerous nieces and nephews.

Alta graduated from Emporia College in Kansas and briefly taught school in rural Kansas. When WWII began, she went to California and first worked as a bomb rack inspector.

She later joined the Red Cross, working with wounded veterans at Dibble General Hospital in Menlo Park, California. There she met her husband, Rix, an Army Air Corp pilot, who was a patient recovering from injuries received in the war. They married August 20, 1945. Rix practiced law for 37 years and Alta worked as his legal secretary until his death in 1986.

Their son, Rix, Jr. was a resident of The San Antonio State Supported Living Center. Alta was always active in organizations supporting the mentally retarded, serving in various capacities in both local and state levels. Both Alta and Rix were founding members of the Parents Association for the Retarded of Texas. Rix served for many years on PARTS's legal committee and a term as state president. Alta served numerous times as PART's secretary and treasurer.

After her husband's death, she continued to volunteer countless hours at the state school. She volunteered for several years as a Partner in Education, mentoring students at a local elementary school. For many years, Alta also proof read and typed the columns for her good friend Maury Maverick, Jr.

SERVICE

FRIDAY

JUNE 24, 2011

8:00 A.M.

PORTER LORING CHAPEL

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Volunteer Services Council of The San Antonio State Supported Living Center, 6711 S. New Braunfels Ste. 500, San Antonio, Texas 78223.

Interment to follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.