Gertrude Rutz

Gertrude (Gerty) Rutz was born on November 28, 1934, in Fresno, California. She was raised in Portland, Oregon, alongside her father Pastor Hugo Becker, mother Lena, twin brother Herbert, and older sister Irmgard. She grew up in the church parsonage next to the German Congregational Church.

The family cherished summers at the Oregon coast, especially at Rockaway, Seaside, and Cannon Beach. Gerty held her father in deep admiration for his faith and biblical wisdom. During a five-year period when Hugo was in Germany assisting displaced persons after World War II, Gerty devoted herself to music. She and her sister Irmgard became accomplished pianists, while her brother Herbert mastered the trumpet. Gerty and Herbert even won first place in the Stars of Tomorrow music competition. Irmgard would go on to serve as pianist at their father’s church for many years.Gerty completed her senior year at Windsor High School in Windsor, Colorado, where she first met Robert “Bob” Rutz. After high school, Bob graduated from the University of Colorado before serving two years in the U.S. Army. During this time, Gerty worked at Home Light and Power Company in Greeley, then moved to California where she worked for American Airlines at the reservation desk, a job she loved. Bob also moved to California after his military service to work at Douglas Aircraft Company. It was there that Gerty and Bob rekindled their friendship. They were married on November 30, 1958, in Windsor, with Pastor Becker officiating.The couple eventually settled in Arvada, Colorado, where Bob worked as a Finance Manager for Martin Marietta (later Lockheed Martin), and Gerty dedicated herself to being a homemaker after the birth of their children: Rhonda (Lyle) Tucker and Larry (Geri) Rutz. From 1968 to 1970, the family lived in West Germany while Bob worked for URS Corporation. They traveled extensively throughout Europe during this time, creating cherished family memories. Gerty’s parents visited them for three months—an experience she always remembered fondly. Her passion for travel was passed on to her children and grandchildren.Upon returning to Arvada, Bob continued his career at Lockheed Martin, retiring in 1988. Soon after, he and Gerty moved back to Windsor, the place where their journey together had begun.

In retirement, Gerty and Bob traveled extensively across the U.S. and Canada with their travel trailer, spending three months each winter in California. Gerty especially enjoyed time with their five grandchildren—Preston (Candace), Lindsey (Ben), Courtney (Bryon), Krista (Travis), and Spencer (Bella) —and six great-grandchildren—Theodore, Agnes, Adelina, Jaxon, Hudson, and Graham.In her later years, Gerty faced health challenges with courage and grace, battling dementia and neuropathy. Since February, she resided at Bright Assisted Living in Windsor, where Bob visited her daily without fail. The loving support from the Bright staff, Bloom Hospice, and devoted family and friends helped make her final chapter peaceful.Gerty passed away on May 30, 2025, surrounded by love. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her faith, love of music, devotion to family, and her joyful spirit.

Funeral services for Gerty will be held at Faith Church of Windsor, 1020 Walnut St, Windsor, CO 80550, on Saturday June 7, 2025 at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made by check to Bright Assisted Living, 610 Hemlock Dr, Windsor, CO 80550, for the enrichment and enjoyment of the residents. Please include Gerty’s name in the memo section of the check (not tax deductible).