Joanne Elizabeth Rutter, 83, passed away in the early morning hours of Aug. 18, 2026, at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.
Joanne was born on Sept. 16, 1942, in Lebanon, PA, to David and Margaretta Patches. After graduating high school, Joanne dedicated herself to her home and family as a loving stay-at-home mother. In May 1959, Joanne married the love of her life, Donald R. Rutter, and, together, they raised six children. Later in life, she worked for local giant Bell & Evans, where she eventually retired.
When her children were young, Joanne loved gardening alongside them and could often be found creating fond memories at local fairs and roller-skating rinks. She always had an eye for a good bargain, endlessly enjoying the hunt at yard sales and flea markets. Fall Sundays were reserved for football, where Joanne and Don cheered on their beloved Washington Redskins, a team Joanne loyally rooted for through every season and name change.
While Joanne loved being a mother, her greatest joy in life came from earning the cherished titles of “Nana” and “Oma.” She adored her 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, filling their lives with warmth, affection, and sweet treats. Joanne especially cherished the holiday seasons, with Christmas holding a special place in her heart as a time to bring the family together in celebration.
In her later years, Joanne kept her mind sharp with puzzle books, playing Monopoly Go on her phone, and hours of the Game Show Network. She loved relaxing with classic TV favorites like The Golden Girls, The Andy Griffith Show, and her daily “stories,” especially Days of Our Lives. Joanne enjoyed listening to classic music from favorites like Elvis Presley and Conway Twitty, and she could often be found sending her family and friends delicious recipes to try.
Through every trial and tribulation that life presented, Joanne anchored herself in an unwavering love for the Lord, trusting in her faith through all circumstances. Above all, Joanne will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her deep commitment to family, and the way she always had a piece of candy and a kind word to share.
Joanne is survived by her children, Brian (Kathy) Rutter, of Orlando, FL, Kelley (John) Foster, of Manchester, TN, and Karen (Dennis) King, of Spencer, WI; as well as her honorary daughter, Lisa Snook (Doc), of Lebanon, PA.
She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nick Rutter (Orlando, FL), Chris Rutter (Orlando, FL), Amanda Brossman (Lebanon, PA), Jamie Boltz (Lebanon, PA), John (JC) C. Foster Jr. (Manchester, TN), Tyler J. Foster (Manchester, TN), Donald (Donnie) R. Foster (Manchester, TN), Elizabeth Tautges (Medford, WI), Matthew Stoss (Spencer, WI), Stephanie Rausmessen (Chippewa Falls, WI), Joshua Stoss (Spencer, WI), and Sara King (Spencer, WI).
Joanne’s astounding legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Austin, Zoe, Eli, Ava, Carson, Jace, Jaiden, Jaida, Jodi, Donald Jr., Darren, Lila, Saphirra, Izabella, Rachael, Orpha, Orabelle, and baby Luke, who is expected to arrive in November 2026.
Additionally, Joanne is survived by her siblings, Ruth Shade, Renee Stonesifer, Tammy Smith, Heidi Patches, David Patches, Thomas Patches, and Jeffrey Patches.
She was preceded in death by her beloved and devoted husband, Donald R. Rutter; children, Vicki Sue Rutter, Kerry M. (Tiger) Rutter, and Jody L. Rutter; and siblings, Leaetta Leathers, Carole (Faye) Buckmoyer, Kathy Ream, Ginny (Pinky) Zornes, Christine Dimmick, James (Jimmy) Patches, George Patches, and Faith Brought.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Alpine and the outstanding nursing staff at Hershey Medical Center for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.
The funeral service for Mrs. Joanne Rutter will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Christman’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., with a viewing hour starting at 10 a.m. A graveside service will immediately follow at Schaefferstown Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her beloved family.
In honor of Joanne’s passionate support for breast cancer research following the loss of her beloved daughter Jody L. Rutter, memorial donations may be made in memory of both Joanne and Jody to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
