Ralph W. Rutan

December 27, 1941 - December 28, 2020

Ralph W. Rutan, 79, of Columbus, died at 2:12 am, December 28, 2020, date, at Columbus Regional Hospital. Ralph was born December 27, 1941 in Bartholomew County, the son of Ralph G. and Ruth Marie (Swango) Rutan. He married Katherine (Purtlebaugh) on November 22, 1960, she passed on July 13, 2019. Ralph worked for Marsh supermarket for 43 years before retiring. He loved to attend church and travel. To friends and family, he was lovingly known as the Bible Thumper and an avid guitar player. Ralph enjoyed keeping company with his faithful friend, his dog, Fred. Ralph will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Calling hours will be on Sunday, January 3, 2021 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home, but due to the global pandemic, the funeral service will be private. Funeral services will be Monday, January 4, 2021 at 11:00 am on the Jewell- Rittman Family Funeral Home website (www.jewellrittman.com) with his son, the Rev. Christopher Rutan officiating for online viewing. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery. The family appreciates your understanding and encourages you to join them for the ceremony online. Memorials may be made to the Bartholomew County Humane Society. Survivors include sons, Timothy W. (Donna) Rutan, of Edinburgh and Chris W. (Velma) E. Rutan, of Columbus; a daughter, Rallena Jeannie (James) Imlay, of Columbus; a brother, Marvin Lee Rutan, of Columbus; sisters, Velma Garries, and Marjorie Jewell, both of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Raymond E. Rutan and a sister, Evelyn Hatfield. Services were entrusted to the Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home would like to thank everyone in advance for wearing masks and practicing social distancing while attending gatherings. You are invited to view his video tribute after Sunday, January 3, 2021, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet. www.jewellrittman.com With the instructions issued by the State allowing gatherings of 50 people, we welcome friends to pay respects while continuing to follow social distancing guidelines. You may be asked to wait outside the building as we comply with this mandate. We encourage you to share your support with the family, being cognizant that others wish to do the same.