Kathy Lynn Rutz

Kathy spent her early childhood in Santa Paula, California and Bolivar, Missouri until the family settled in the Fresno, California area when she was twelve years old where she spent her adolescent and teen years riding horses, attending rodeos, attending church youth group activities, and socializing with her many friends. She graduated from Clovis High School in 1970, and after high school she worked as an administrative assistant for an attorney and later for the County of Fresno.

She married her best friend and love of her life, Jerry Rutz, on April 23, 1971, and became a homemaker when she and Jerry started their family. She was passionate about her family, and she dedicated her life to being a supportive wife and loving mother. She happily sacrificed material belongings throughout the childrearing years in order to be a stay-at-home mom. She spent countless hours cooking meals for her family, volunteering her time and talents at her children’s schools, and keeping her kids on track during the teenage years.

Her favorite pastime was camping with Jerry, and they enjoyed many years traveling with their fifth wheel in tow discovering new and fun places to visit along the west coast. She cherished her time visiting her son and his partner in Southern California, watching her grandsons perform in their school performances, visiting the desert with her daughter and her family, and any activity that took her to the ocean. Kathy was known for her love of shopping – from Macy’s to thrift stores, from shoes to cosmetics– if it was shopping she was up for it!

She was preceded in death by her father, Billy Hite. She is survived by Jerry Rutz her husband of 47 years; daughter Kari Mercer and husband Dave of Clovis, Calif.; son Scott Rutz and partner Vageli Skourtis of Woodland Hills, Calif.; grandsons Brody and Logan Mercer of Clovis, Calif.; mother Louise Hite, sister Lorna Dismang and her husband Doyle, nephew Shane Ireland and his wife Kim, and nephew Cody Dismang all of Pleasant Hope, Missouri.

Kathy will be remembered best for her larger-than-life personality. Ever the social butterfly, she never met a stranger– she struck up conversations and made friends everywhere she went. She was blessed with the gift of bringing out the best in others. She was hilarious, fun, witty, caring, loving, and thoughtful. Her laughter was contagious, her spirit kind, her heart pure, and her memory far too rich and colorful to ever be forgotten. While those of us lucky enough to have known her are overwhelmed with the tidal wave of sorrow her departure has caused, we are equally as blessed to have ever experienced her, and are all better people for it. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, pillar of her home, matriarch, emotional heartbeat of her family, and friend. Her death has left a huge void in the hearts and lives of those who loved her.

Services will be held on August 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Clovis Hills Community Church located at 10590 N. Willow Avenue in Clovis, California with graveside services immediately following at Clovis Cemetery located at 305 N. Villa Avenue in Clovis.

Remembrances may be sent to: Boice Funeral Home at 304 Pollasky Avenue Clovis, California 93612.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Rutz family.