Donald Ruttan

Donald “Don” Joseph Ruttan, 89, of Othello, passed away September 3 at the Othello Community Hospital. Don was born December 22, 1932, to Garrett Joseph and Beryl Malinda (Posey) Ruttan at home in Elgin, Oregon on a cold, snowy day. His dad took the sleigh to pick up the doctor and bring him back to their home. Don spent most of his youth in the Elgin, OR area. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1951. Then in 1955 he moved to Toppenish, WA for employment. In early 1959 he met Donna Hewlett. They were married September 1959 in Toppenish, Washington. In 1965 they moved to Othello, WA where Don opened Basin Tire Center, a Goodyear tire store, which he operated for more than 30 years. He was an active member of Kiwanis and helped develop Kiwanis Park. Don was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many callings over the years including the first Othello WA Stake Financial Clerk. In December 1972 Don took his family to the Cardston Alberta Temple to be sealed as a family. Don will be remembered for his thoughtful service to family, friends, and strangers; making popcorn every Sunday night; fun sense of humor; a love of word search and jigsaw puzzles; stories of his growing up years and tire store; generosity with their garden produce, and keen attention to the weather. He was preceded in death by his father Garrett Joseph Ruttan and his mother Beryl Malinda (Posey) Eschenburg. His sister Mildred Lloyd and brother-in-law James Lloyd. Grandparents and a nephew. Surviving him are his wife of 62 years Donna of Othello; children, Kara Jo & (Donald) Carey, Olathe, KS; Michael Joseph & (Sally) Ruttan, Richland, WA; three grandchildren, Anna Carey Chavez, Albuquerque, NM; Alyssa Carey, Olathe, KS and Derek Ruttan, Richland, WA; two nieces Barbara Caswell and Louise Grey. Valley Hills Funeral Home, Zillah, WA is in charge of arrangements. The family will hold a private service. Burial will be in the Zillah Cemetery, Zillah, WA. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Ruttan, please visit our flower store.