Marilyn Ann Rutter
Marilyn Ann (Sumerix) Rutter, the rock of her family that kept everyone connected, died peacefully February 1, 2024 at her home in Olivet. Marilyn, 85, was born October 23, 1938 in Charlotte, MI to Henry and Ina (Baker) Sumerix. Marilyn married Charles Rutter in June of 1957, and together they had three children that grew up knowing the love of extended family because Marilyn always made family the heart of every adventure. For the last 20 years, Marilyn put together a Sumerix family newsletter to let everyone know what was happening within their large, extended family. Travel often included a stop at family members homes to say hi, and she loved to travel…visiting most of the 50 states in her lifetime. Her children and grandchildren will remember many trips with their family, including train trips West, and an annual family fishing trip to Canada.
Marilyn had a keen eye for detail, working as a secretary at Olivet Middle School, and had also been a proofreader for the Charlotte newspaper, The Republican Tribune, and she wrote a lot of poetry. With a big heart, Marilyn would often find ways to lend a helping hand in any way she could, and was always looking after friends and family. She loved to cook for large crowds, always cooking from scratch, and made a variety of wonderful pies for family gatherings. With an adventurous spirit, she even participated in a school donkey basketball game. Marilyn and Charles served as youth group leaders at the Brookfield Church for many years, and always put God’s love as the highest priority in life.
The greatest adventure of Marilyn’s life was family. She will be greatly missed by her children, Jacquelynn Kwiatkowski, Jeffrey (Katie Collier) Rutter, and James Rutter; grandchildren, Katelyn and Stephanie Kwiatkowski and Alex Schneider; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was predeceased by her husband, Charles Rutter in 2019; her siblings, Lyle Sumerix, Joyce Morgan, Betty Ross, and Harry Sumerix; and her parents.
Friends are encouraged to support Marilyn’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Tuesday, February 6, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Wednesday, February 7, 11:00 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Rev. John Morse officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Marilyn’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Olivet Schools scholarship fund. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.