Altha Rutz

"She made good cookies" was the epitaph suggested by Altha Fern Rutz, age 90, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 16, 2013. Born in Evart MI on June 30, 1922 to Leonard & Edith (Hall) Pritchard, Altha moved to Muskegon during WWII, where she met and married Stanley James Rutz in 1947. Together they built a home in Beachwood and happily raised a family. Though Altha's only official affiliation was as a member of the CY Chapter of the P.E.O., she touched so many more lives as an anchor of coffee klatches, stalwart friend and surrogate mother/grandmother to generations of neighbors. In Tribute, Altha would prefer that loved ones pick a perfect day, go and sit on her bench (south side Muskegon Channel, sixth seat in on "Fish Gut Alley") and relive warm memories. Unfailingly gracious in an increasingly graceless age, mother, you will be missed. SURVIVORS Altha is survived by daughters, Nancy Ann Hart of Muskegon, Patricia Sue Bills of AK; son, James (Renee) Rutz of Muskegon; grandchildren, Robert Hart, Jessica Bills, Robert Bills, Danica Rutz and Dane Rutz; siblings, Elwin Pritchard, Shirley Damico, Calvin Pritchard, Stella Hassel, Morton Pritchard. She was preceded in death by husband, Stanley in 2004; son, Tom J. Rutz in 1971; brothers, Alden & Marshall Pritchard. SERVICE Per Altha's request, there will be no services. Donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society or the Epilepsy Center of Michigan.