Loa Mae Rutschke

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Loa Mae Rutschke passed away at Pomerelle Place Assisted Living in Burley, Idaho on June 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89 years old.

Loa Mae was born in Rupert, Idaho on January 1, 1936, to Ferrell and Wilma Johnson. She received her early education in Rupert, graduating from Rupert High School in 1954.

Loa Mae loved to sing and enjoyed being in choir and performing in High School musicals. She had a beautiful voice. Members of the church congregation loved sitting near her so that they could enjoy her singing. She loved to play the piano and created many lasting memories with her family gathered around her, singing Christmas music and familiar tunes. 

She met the love of her life, Ernest Rutschke, and was married on September 28, 1956. Their marriage was later sealed in the Idaho Falls temple. They were married 45 years.

They had four children, one son, Layne, and three daughters, Lori, Danette, and Dana Lee. They enjoyed many family trips to North and South Dakota, and also enjoyed family outings to go camping and fishing.

She was a life long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in various callings.

After Ernest retired, they enjoyed being snow birds in Quartsite, Arizona. This was a highlight of their retirement years.

Loa Mae is survived by one son, Layne (Janie) Rutschke of Rupert, Lori (Geoffrey) Prussia of Boise, Danette (Jeff) Fackrell of Pocatello, Dana Lee Shaw of Idaho Falls; two brothers, Roy (Rosie) Johnson and Danny Johnson, both of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was also blessed with 19 Grandchildren, 47 Great Grandchildren, and 5 Great Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her eternal companion, Ernest Rutschke, and her parents, Ferrell and Wilma Johnson; brother-in-laws, Elmer Rutschke and Alfred Bentz; sister-in-laws, Lillian Rutschke and Annie Bentz; son-in-law, Marlin Shaw; and granddaughter, Laci Megan Catmull.

We wish to thank the nurses and staff at Pomerelle Place in Burley, Idaho, Idaho Home Health, and the staff of Intermountain Health and Hospice for their loving and compassionate care of Loa Mae in her final days.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 30th, at 2:00 pm, with a viewing 1 hour prior to service, at the Rupert 7th Ward building, located at 324 E 18th St., Rupert, under the direction of Hansen Mortuary.

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