Elaine D. Rutz was born on April 27, 1931 to Leroy Sherrad and Merna Agnes (Langley) Halverson in Washington County, Colorado.  She passed away on March 16, 2022 at the Washington County Nursing Home in Akron, Colorado.

Elaine attended the Otis Schools.  She married  Elmer Dean Rutz in Sterling and to this union five children were born, Delores, Darrel, Dwayne, Dianna and Dorene.

Elaine was a hard worker, she cleaned many houses; she was passionate about her gardening and she loved to cook.  She loved hosting large family gatherings and loved decorating for the holidays. 

She decorated the farm yearly for Christmas and invited friends and family for hot chocolate.  She was also known for her elaborate cookie jar collection.  She helped raise numerous children. 

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Merna Halverson and LeRoy Sherrad; her husband, Elmer  “Shorty” Rutz; daughter, Diana Lou Rutz and son, Darrel Rutz. 

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Delores Keim of Otis, Colorado; son, Dwayne Rutz of Yuma, Colorado; Doreen Luceroe of Broomfield, Colorado numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren along with many other relatives and friends. 

Memorial Service – Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Baucke Funeral Chapel in Yuma, Colorado with Pastor Randy Feather officiating.  Inurnment followed at the Yuma Cemtery.  Baucke Funeral Home directed the service.