Anita Regina Pfotenhauer Rutter

Anita Regina Pfotenhauer Rutter, age 96, made the Transition from this earthly life to her new home in heaven on February 7, 2019.

Anita was born May 26,1922 in Addison, Illinois, the only child of Anna Brust Photenhauer and Adolph T Pfotenhauer. She was raised in the small German farming community of Addison and comes from a heritage of German descent.

She graduated York Community High School at the top of her class with honors in 1940. Immediately after graduation, Anita worked as a secretary making her name well known and respected in various positions.

Anita was honored with becoming the first woman appointed to an elected position in DuPage County as Addison Township Clerk.

During this time, Anita married James Sidney Rutter on November 25,1942 a marriage which sadly ended in 1980 with the passing of her beloved husband Jim. Anita and James were blessed with three children, Thomas Gregg Rutter, Lorelei Sturgeon and Alita Bagley.

Anita would always say her middle name was “volunteer” as she truly had a gift for helping others. When the great depression hit in 1929, Anita knew at a young age she wanted to help, nurture and serve others. While raising her family she volunteered for the hospital guild, nursing homes, secretary of PTA, room mother and 4-H leader to name a few. Her true passion was working with children.

In 1963 Anita had a Spiritual Rebirth and a new passion for volunteering began. Anita started teaching every child that she could about the wonderful truths of Gods word which included teaching Sunday School in various Christian churches, Day Care for under privileged children and Wee-Worship in the Christian Church. She was also a certified Child Evangelism teacher. Anita’s motto was “have flannelgraph will travel”. She traveled to different homes to teach mid week after school bible classes to elementary school children.

Between 1965 and 1977 the family lived in Casper, WY, Flagstaff, AZ and Phoenix, AZ.

In 1978, she moved to Denver Colorado and called Denver her home. She worked as a real estate secretary until she retired at 70. From there she became Volunteer Coordinator for Project Angel Heart and also faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels until she was 88.

Her favorite recreation was being in the outdoors and camping with friends and family

Anita had a major influence on all the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her.

Some would say she had the heart of a servant, but most would say she was truly an angel living here on earth.

She is survived by her two children (one preceded her in death), two sons in law, five grandchildren, (two preceded her in death), and fourteen great grandchildren.

Please give your condolences to the Rutter family.