Jeanne F. "Gigi" Rutz

Jeanne F. Rutz, of Clive, a former realtor who had a special zest for life, passed peacefully at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa on December 20, 2014.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines with family remarks at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Glendale Cemetery.

Jeanne was born May 16 in Popejoy, Iowa to Frank and Floy Fryslie. She moved to Des Moines after graduating from Eagle Grove High School at the age of 17 where she worked at Equitable of Iowa. She married John “Jack” Rutz and became a homemaker with three daughters. In the 1970’s she had a calling to become a realtor in Des Moines and specialized in residential sales at Bell Realty and Iowa Realty receiving her CRS and GRI certifications.

Jeanne never knew a stranger and will always be known for her youthful, amazing spirit. She enjoyed dancing, drawing, carpentry and meeting people at local garage sales. She was a first-class lady who preferred to never reveal her true age, and will eternally be known as “39 years old and holding.” Jeanne was an exceptional seamstress. In her younger years she was active in the Iowa Democratic Party, the Sons of Norway and the International Council of Understanding. She enjoyed her time playing bingo and meeting friends at the West Des Moines Senior Center.

Jeanne is survived by daughters, Paula Sweeney of Des Moines, Julie Rutz of Urbandale, and Rhonda Rutz Cotlar (Robert Baca); sister, Wilma Vilmain of Eagle Grove; and endeared as “GiGi”, she leaves behind grandchildren, John (Katy) Sweeney, Jill Sweeney (Tom Burg), Ryan (Tiffany) Sweeney, and Zac (Sara) Couture; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Colin, Ben, Jake and Oliver; as well as sisters-in-law, Marilyn Miner and Norma Rutz; and more than 20 nieces and nephews.

Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, sister, son-in-law, Ken Cota; and 12 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Special mention and extreme gratitude is due for the wonderful care Jeanne received by primary caregivers: Zac, Sara, Oliver, Robert and Rhonda. A special thank you to those friends, family and Mercy Hospice staff, that enabled Jeanne to stay at home and live with dignity the past several years.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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