Charley Rutter - LHS Class of 1950

Orville Charles "Chuck" Rutter Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed from this life to his eternal life in heaven, on September 22, 2010.
Chuck is survived by his wife Christine, of 50 years, his son Charles Rutter, and wife, Shanna, grandchildren; Christopher, Conley, Caroline, Carson, Cameron, and Carlee; daughter, Amy Folden, and husband Doug Folden, grandchildren Shane and Trevor Folden. He is also survived by his sister, Waneta Karriker (LHS Class of 1952), of Tonganoxie, KS, brother, Larry Rutter (LHS Class of 1955) and spouse Kay of Meriden, KS, and brother, David Rutter (LHS Class of 1961) and spouse Mary of Payson, AZ; and many nephews, and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville C. Rutter, Sr., and Safronia Faye Rutter.
Chuck was born on October 3, 1932 in Leavenworth, Kansas where he grew up, and graduated from Leavenworth Senior High School, in 1950. He attended Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri for one year.
In June 1951, during the Korean conflict, he enlisted in the U. S. Air Force. Shortly after, he was accepted into the Aviation Cadet Program, and was commissioned in 1952. His dream of flying and traveling around the world was fulfilled during his 20 years in the Air Force. Chuck was stationed at numerous bases in the U.S., Alaska, Europe, Taiwan and Guam. Highlights of his service career included: B-36 Flight Engineer, B-47 Navigator/Bombardier, B-52 Navigator/Bombardier, and Staff Intelligence Officer preparing daily B-52 missions to Vietnam. Chuck received his Master Navigators Wings, and awards such as the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, with oak clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award with oak clusters, valor device, and other specialized unit awards. He retired with the rank of Major in the Inactive Reserve.
Chuck met his wife Christine, in 1958 while he was stationed at Mather Air Force base in Sacramento, California. They were married in 1959, in Placerville, California and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, November, 2009. Chuck was a devoted, loving and faithful husband to his wife Chris. He was very proud and thankful to be blessed with his son, Charles, and daughter, Amy.
Subsequent to Chuck's retirement from the USAF in 1971, he completed a Masters degree in Public Administration, at the University of Oklahoma. He accepted the position of Business Manager at Bethany University, Scotts Valley, California in June, 1972. He served at Bethany for 10 years before joining the Administrative team at Santa Cruz City Schools. During his tenure at City Schools, he served as Interim Director of Business Services, and as Director of Maintenance and Operations, retiring in 1995.
Chuck kept very busy during his retirement years, returning to Bethany University as a volunteer, and Facilities Consultant, and served 14 years on the Master Planning Committee. He believed in the mission of the college, and loved being a part of the Bethany family. Chuck continued to help as he could, even during the last months of declining health.
Chuck's retirement also allowed him time to be actively involved in the Santa Cruz Genealogical Society. He enjoyed many trips to do research on the Rutter family genealogy.
He had a servant's heart, and volunteered in several community organizations. He was a volunteer for the Salvation Army Emergency Canteen, and also was a Bell Ringer for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season. He also served as the Chaplain for the local chapter of the Retired Public Employees Association. Chuck was very faithful to his local church, Christian Life Center, and served on the Board and Finance Committee for several years.
Chuck loved and enjoyed his family very much, and looked forward to any opportunity to be together. He loved to have the whole gang together for ski vacations, summer trips, and cherished having his family home for special holiday gatherings. He was a busy Grandfather, and was very proud of each grandchild. He loved to attend the grandchildren's various sporting events, music recitals, dance performances, and enjoyed skiing, fishing, hiking and bowling with them as well.
With all that Chuck loved and enjoyed in his life, the most important thing to him was his commitment to Jesus Christ. He began his journey following Christ when he was a young boy. He lived out his faith in Christ daily, and was a wonderful Christian role model for his family and friends. Chuck never wavered in his trust and faith in God during his lengthy illness with cancer, but chose to live each day focusing on God's blessings, and encouraging others.
A Memorial service and Celebration of Chuck's life will be held on Saturday, October 2, 3:00 pm at Christian Life Center, 1009 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Private Interment will be at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, Dixon, CA, on Monday, October 4, 2010. Santa Cruz Memorial is in charge of funeral and transportation arrangements.
If donations are preferred, they may be made to the following charities: Bethany University, Scholarship Fund, 800 Bethany Drive, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, or Christian Life Center, Missions Fund, 1009 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.