Mary Ellen Rutz

Mary Ellen Rutz of Cuba, Missouri was born on July 26, 1947, in Sullivan, Missouri, to Jesse E. and Clara E. (Durbin) Thoma. She left this life on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Washington, Missouri at the age of 77.

Mary graduated from Cuba High School -Class of 1965. Five short months later, on October 2, 1965, Mary was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart Edwin Rutz. In January of 1966 Mary was given the title of Marine Wife. This led the newlyweds to California for a short time before moving back to Cuba to settle down and build their family. In 1970 and again in 1972, Mary was given the title of mom. To this union two daughters were born Traci and Tammi. Her final and favorite title was given to her for the first time in 1992 when she became a grandma. She was given 4 grandchildren, Corey, Cassi, Eli and Al. Her favorite part of being a grandma was finding unique Christmas presents and laughing with her grandkids. Her first and most important job was raising her family. In addition to raising her girls, Mary babysat Kristel, a cousin that was the same age as the girls. She spent many afternoons settling arguments and cleaning up messes that the girls would blame on each other. After the girls entered school, Mary joined the work force. From answering phone calls to arranging flowers, Mary held many positions in town. She eventually retired after several years as a secretary for Meramec Electrical Products Company.

She enjoyed shopping, cooking, playing card games on the computer, playing Dominos with friends, traveling, and spending countless hours entertaining others in the “Barage” but what she loved most was spending time with her family and spoiling her daughters and grandchildren.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents Jesse E. and Clara E. (Durbin) Thoma and Earl and Emma Rutz; sister Judith and husband Bill Treece.

Those who are left to treasure her memory are her loving husband Edwin Rutz; two daughters Traci and husband Donnie Mathis, Tammi and husband Chris Palmer all of Cuba; four grandchildren Corey Stovall of Cuba, Cassi Stovall of Ft. Collins, Colorado, Eli Palmer and Al Palmer both of Cuba; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law Earl and wife Esther Rutz of Cuba, Erma and husband Bill Yancey of Springfield, Eva and husband Bill Buchanan of Springfield; cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and many friends.

In keeping with her wishes, Mary will be cremated. A devoted friend and cherished family member, Mary brought joy and laughter to those around her. In celebration of her life, her family invites everyone to gather for a meal and festivities on Saturday October 12, 2024, at Ed and Mary’s Garage at the home. Friends and family are welcome to visit from 3 to 5pm for those who cannot stay for the celebration. A light meal will be served at 5pm, followed by the party in her honor.

If desired, memorials would be appreciated to Betty’s House through the Crawford County Foundation, 106 E Washington Street, Cuba, Mo 65453.

The Mizell Funeral Home of Cuba is honored to be serving the family of Mary E. Rutz.