Leland Ralph Ruterbories

Leland R. Ruterbories (Lee) passed away on July 11, 2022, at the age of 80. He passed peacefully, surrounded by love from his immediate family. The funeral services will be held at 6601 South Colorado Blvd, Centennial, Colorado 80121. The services will be held on Monday, July 18, 2022. The celebration of life will include a private viewing for the family at 10:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m., and reception at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation in Lee’s honor to the Glioblastoma Foundation (https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate). Lee was born to James and Margie Ruterbories on January 25, 1942, spending his early years in Elgin, Nebraska. His family moved to Wheat Ridge, Colorado where he graduated from Wheat Ridge high school in 1960. He was a musician and scholar. He attended Colorado University. He found his calling in the private sector as a tradesman. He began working at Rocky Flats Nuclear facility during the Cold War and is a cold-war patriot. He was first married and had two (2) children, Steve and Kim. After his divorce, he then married the love or his life, Mary Jean Ruterbories on May 24, 1972, and they stay married until his passing. Lee had a very successful career in the commercial sheet-metal business for over 35 years. He began as an apprentice, but quickly worked his way up to being the superintendent running numerous million-dollar developments. He built many of the same buildings, hospitals and schools we all frequent today. He was a fiercely loyal friend and trusted neighbor giving his retirement years to his community as an officer, board member and “the” person to ask if you need to know anything about the facilities at HEB. His community commitment was unmatched. He continued to enjoy all sports, both as a spectator and participant, was an avid Broncos, Avalanche, Nuggets fan and crew-chief for the family racing team. Most notably, Lee was a devoted family man and adopted two (2) sons, Jay and James. His devotion, honesty, love and caring can be seen in the success of his children and their families. Lee is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Mary Jean, his sons, Steve (Tammy), Jay (Kristin) and James (Melody), numerous grandchildren and great¬ grandchildren. Lee is also survived by his younger brother, Leroy, two sisters Marla Jean and Ginger and brother, Jerry, multiple nieces, nephews and numerous great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie and, brother Ronald. Lee will be missed deeply, and his life was a gift to all those he touched. Rest in peace.