Sandra Rutschow's Obituary
Sandra Louise Heffley Rutschow (“Sandy”)
Sandy Rutschow was born in St. Louis, Missouri on September 12, 1939, the only daughter of Margaret Elizabeth Pauling Heffley and Howard Hubert Heffley.
As a young girl, Sandy moved with her parents to Toledo, Ohio. In the Buckeye state, Sandy attended McKinley Elementary School, Washington Jr High School, and Whitmer High School, graduating in 1957. She was briefly enrolled at Kent State University. While attending Whitmer High School, Sandy met and later married John Lawrence Rutschow ("Jay"), and the couple had two children, daughters Pamela Sue and Karen Louise. The family then moved to Temperance, Michigan.
Early in her marriage to Jay, Sandy sought to become involved in a hobby of common interest to the couple. Jay enjoyed golfing, so Sandy – a true novice – devoted time to learning the sport in an effort to share time with her husband. Upon arriving home after a first attempt on the links, Jay inquired of his young wife: “So, how’d you do?” To which Sandy replied, “I shot a 109”. Wanting to encourage her, Jay exclaimed that a 109 was pretty good for her first time out, and received the following response: “That was for nine holes!” Needless to say, golfing did not become the common denominator of shared time for Jay and Sandy. Instead, Sandy became an avid bowler, spending many happy hours on the lanes in singles, doubles, and team play with Jay and many friends over the years. Later in life, Sandy become a “bowling mom” and then a “bowling widow” as she herself dropped out, but continued to cheer on her family as they pursued the sport for a number of years.
While living in Michigan, Sandy was employed as a medical billing secretary at Curtzwiler Radiology Group in Toledo, Ohio. In 1974, when the Rutschow Family moved to Yalaha, Florida, Sandy began working as a bank teller at First Federal Savings & Loan in Leesburg, FL. She remained a faithful employee of FFS&L, and then Colonial Bank, for over 30 years, eventually retiring in 2007 as the Executive Secretary to the President of the company.
As a young girl, Sandy suffered from Rheumatic Fever and, as a result, she would later develop difficulties related to cardiac function. However, she remained fiercely independent and determined to live an active and engaged life, even after undergoing open heart surgery in 1990. Some of her favored activities over the years included knitting and crocheting, and she found special enjoyment in counted-cross-stitch projects, which resulted in her creating beautiful canvases of needle work. Both of her daughters inherited her love of crafting.
Throughout her life, Sandy was a devoted wife and mother. She encouraged her daughters in their numerous school, theatrical, and athletic interests, and always made every effort to be present at various ceremonies, performances, events, and competitions. Along with her husband, Sandy raised her young daughters in a warm and loving home, always filled with seasonal decorations and planned festivities. At Easter, eggs were dyed; at Halloween, pumpkins were carved; at Christmas, the tree was lighted and tables were laden with sugar cookies, fruit cakes, and other delicacies – all homemade; and every start-of-school-year was made extra special with a trip to the store for a new lunchbox, a fresh box of crayons, and other school supplies. Such were the traditions Sandy passed down and which her daughters continue to celebrate.
Sandy was also a tireless worker and, together with Jay, instilled in her children an incomparable work ethic and sense of professional morality. Ultimately, one of the brightest stars in Sandy’s life was her grandson, E.J., and it was a true delight for her to attend and participate in his wedding to Sarah Collins on December 17, 2016.
While not a world-traveler, Sandy did enjoy vacationing with her family, especially as her daughters were growing up. Camping, sight-seeing trips to national centers of history, and travels to theme parks were among favorite destinations. On one occasion, Sandy, along with daughters Pam and Karen, had a chance to visit Maggie Valley, North Carolina. The trio became lost and, upon stopping for directions, were advised that they were nearing the Tennessee border! It was a story that was never forgotten and often repeated at family gatherings for years afterward. Another special memory was created when, again, Sandy, Pam, and Karen were able to take a mother-daughter trip to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with stops at Gettysburg and the Biltmore Estate along the way. Sandy also enjoyed the annual reunion of Whitmer classes held in New Port Richey, Florida.
At the time of her death, Sandy and Jay were married 58 years. Sandy is survived by her husband, Jay; her daughters Pamela Sue Luning (Ed) and Karen Rutschow Williamson; and her grandson Edward John (“E.J”) Luning (Sarah).
A memorial service to honor the life of Sandra Louise Heffley Rutschow will be held at St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg, Florida on April 30, 2017 at 6 p.m., with a reception immediately following in the reception hall. Internment of ashes will be in the memorial garden. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg, Florida, where Sandy was a member for 43 years, to Cornerstone Hospice in Tavares, Florida, or to another organization or charity of your choosing.
What’s your fondest memory of Sandra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sandra?
Share a story where Sandra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sandra you’ll never forget.
How did Sandra make you smile?
