Howard Rutter

Howard L. Rutter, 79 of Portales, New Mexico passed away on January 14, 2021 in Lubbock Texas.  Howard grew up in Arkansas City, Kansas with his ‘favorite’ sister  Shirley Rutter Crisp and younger brother, Billy Joe.  The family relocated in 1958 and moved to Tucumcari NM where he eventually enlisted in the Army Reserves for a short time and  served 11 years in the Navy including three tours in Vietnam.  After 13 years of service, Howard moved to Albuquerque where he attended TVI to complete his certification in Auto mechanics. Once he completed his education he owned several mechanic shops in Albuquerque and Thoreau, NM.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Florence Davis Rutter, father, Bruce Rutter,  brother Billy Joe Rutter, sister in law Mona Spinks Rutter, brother in law Don Crisp, and grandson Collin Rowley.  He is survived by his sister, Shirley Rutter Crisp of Portales, NM,  2 sons, Greg Rowley of Portales, NM and Brent and Suzette Rutter of Elko, Nevada, 4 daughters  Patti (Tim)Lloyd of Coupeville, Washington, Deanne (Aldron) McKinney of Portales, NM, Jana (Cliff) Hamilton of Albuquerque, NM and Dana Blood of Thoreau,NM, 18 grandchildren,  21 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.   A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Soldier Angels at https://soldiersangels.org/donate-now/.

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