Rutter, Larry Dean

Larry Dean Rutter

Larry Dean Rutter, formerly of Marion, passed away peacefully at home in Leawood, Kan., on Aug. 23, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.

Larry was born Feb. 6, 1941, in Ames, Iowa, to Vincil and Katherine Rutter. He graduated from McCallsburg High School in Story County, Iowa, where he spent much of his time kicking around on the sandlot. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Navy during wartime.

After his service, Larry settled back in Iowa, where he dedicated his professional career to helping at-risk children throughout Iowa's youth residential treatment system. The caring, respectful and innovative programs Larry developed and coordinated enriched the lives of thousands of our most vulnerable children and had lasting, positive impacts on the lives of many employees and volunteers. After his retirement from Four Oaks, Larry was honored with the 1998 Tom Lewis Award, acknowledging his outstanding service, dedication, longevity and diversity in duties to children and families in the State of Iowa.

Larry will be remembered by all for his humor, caring spirit, sense of duty, humility, outlandish stories, practical jokes and his love of sweets, “Matilda,” coffee-filter bowls, bad movies, pie, duct tape, “big butter,” enormous pumpkins at Halloween, hustling friends in pool, checkers and cards, as well as the beautiful luster of black and gold throughout Kinnick on a crisp fall day.

Larry was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is survived by Anne, his loving wife of 23 years, of Leawood, Kan.; his daughter, Chris (Mindy) Rutter of Sarasota, Fla., and three stepchildren, Angie Balius of Eagan, Minn., Kirk (Diane) Marty of Leawood, Kan. and Eric (Dina) Marty of Greensboro, N.C.

He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Pat, Emily, Max, George, Alexi, Kyra and Emersen, in addition to his many loving brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the many friends, volunteers and professionals who assisted and comforted Larry throughout his last years, in particular Anna, Hospice RN, Iesha, hospice aide, and Doug, hospice chaplain.

A private service will be held at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Luke's Home Care Services and Hospice, c/o St. Luke's Hospital Foundation, 4225 Baltimore Ave., Kansas City, MO 64111.

Cremation Center of Kansas City: (913) 384-5566.

Published Sept. 1, 2013 in The Gazette