Martha “Marty” Rose Rutschman

Martha “Marty” Rose Rutschman, 92, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2021, at Newton Medical Center Health in Newton, KS, surrounded by her family.

She was born on March 10, 1929, in Oklahoma City, OK, the daughter of Herbert and Belva May Smith. Marty attended Newton High School, graduating with the class of 1947.

On June 11, 1950, Marty was united in marriage to Jacob Paul Rutschman at the First Baptist Church in Newton, Kansas.

They celebrated 62 years of marriage shortly before his passing in 2012.  Over the years, Marty and Paul enjoyed camping, fishing, square dancing, and time with family and friends.

Marty began working as a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell in Newton, KS when she was 18 years old, and continued her career with AT&T in Wichita, KS before retiring.

Marty’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She also enjoyed watching WSU and KU basketball games on TV and occasionally in person. She was fond of watching the birds at her feeder, and she liked to identify and keep track of the various species that visited her front yard. Another favorite pastime was reading, researching, and shopping on her computer. Her computer skills were still remarkable as a 92 year old.

Marty is survived by her son, Lyle Rutschman of Newton, KS; daughters, Patty (Randy) Wedel of Overland Park, KS, Nancy (Don) Glenn of Wichita, KS, and Judi (Ron) Arnold of Lakewood, CA; grandchildren, Laura (Jeremy) Zellers, Lindsay (Mark) Dreitzler, Sarah Glenn, and Greg Glenn; great-grandchildren, Austin Zellers, Ashley Zellers, Megan Dreitzler, and Leah Dreitzler.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jacob Paul Rutschman; parents, Herbert and Belva Smith; sister, Marion Hinshaw;  brothers, Herbert Smith Jr., Vernon Smith, Bill Smith, and Jerry Smith.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 1^st, at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton, with Pastor Chip Bungard officiating.  Visitation will be 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Newton will follow the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society or to Good Shepherd Hospice in care of Petersen Funeral Home.