Bella Kai Rutko, age 17, of Rehoboth, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family and dedicated nurses on June 24, 2026. She was the cherished daughter of Jeffrey Rutko of Swansea and Holly (Ceritto) Rutko of Rehoboth, she was a lifelong resident of Rehoboth.
Bella fiercely and bravely fought her battle with Rett Syndrome throughout her entire life. She had been a member of the Meeting Street School community since the age of three and had just completed her sophomore year. She was well known and deeply loved by her teachers, therapists and school friends.
Bella loved being right in the middle of her family where there was plenty of lively conversation. Always energetic, she had a contagious, million-watt smile that brightened every room she entered.
She loved music, her spot at Bonnet Shores beach, the ocean and spending time with family, friends, and her service dog Luna. She especially loved spending time with her “big” younger brother, Zackary, whom she absolutely adored.
In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, Zackary Rutko of Rehoboth; maternal grandparents, Stan and Ginger Ceritto of Ocala, FL; paternal grandparents Robert and Roberta Rutko of Rehoboth; aunts, Lisa Ceritto of FL, Heather Fernandes and her husband Michael of Westport; her uncle Monte Kosoff of FL and cousins Arianna and Alek Kosoff, Reese and Hunter Fernandes.
Her funeral will be held Monday, June 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM at His Providence Church, 262 Swansea Mall Dr, Swansea followed by burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Rehoboth. Relatives and friends are invited directly to church. A visitation will be held Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardners Neck Road, Swansea.
Contributions in Bella's honor can be made to Hasbro Children's/Rhode Island Hospital Foundation, attn: Development Office, PO Box H, Providence, RI 02901 or the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, 67 Undercliff Road, Trumbull, CT 06611.
