Olivia Augustine Ruettgers

Olivia Augustine Ruettgers, age 90, of Loose Creek, passed away Monday, July 29, 2024, at Stonebridge Senior Living in Westphalia.

Olivia was born August 26, 1933, a daughter to the late Gustave and Bertha (Orscheln) Backes of Loose Creek. Olivia was a graduate of Immaculate Conception School in Loose Creek. 

On February 23, 1952, she was united in marriage to John Ruettgers at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek. He preceded her in death on April 22, 2019.

Olivia was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. She was a humble woman with many talents. She was a talented seamstress making anything from doll clothes to prom dresses. She made hundreds of quilts and afghans in her lifetime for her family and others. Olivia enjoyed baking delicious fresh bread, cookies, pies, and cakes. She loved traveling through the United States, especially through the Colorado mountains. Olivia liked playing dominoes and cards with family and friends. Olivia provided daycare for families in the Loose Creek area. 

Olivia loved and nurtured her family. She is survived by: two daughters, Elizabeth (Kevin) McCarthy of New Melle and Sandra Witte of Loose Creek; six grandchildren, Doug (Sheila) Kleffner, Curtis (Jamie) Kleffner, Adam (June) McCarthy, John (Stephanie) McCarthy, Cynthia Kleffner, and Monica (Martin) Reed; 15 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her spouse of 67 years, John, and her parents, Olivia was preceded in death by: two sons-in-law, Daniel Kleffner and David Witte; two brothers, Arthur Backes and Al Backes; and three sisters, Catherine Bescheinen, Angie Kremer and Grace Rackers. 

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Anthony Rinaldo as the Celebrant. Interment will be held in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery. 

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Immaculate Conception Parish School.