Goldie Irene Rutzer

Goldie I. Rutzer, 99, a long time resident of the Peninsula, died in Klipsan Beach on September 14, 2015. She was born September 6, 1916 in Kettle Falls, Washington, the daughter of Joseph and Philomene (Gagnon) Aubertin. Goldie was rightly proud of her Native American heritage and was a registered member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in northeast Washington. In August 2015 The Tribal Tribune printed a special story on Goldie celebrating the fact, that at age 99, she was the oldest living member of all twelve tribes totaling nearly 10,000 registered members. Goldie and her husband, Otto Rutzer, migrated to the Peninsula from eastern Washington in 1939 hoping to find work in commercial razor clam digging. After a number of years, Otto became well known on the Peninsula for his heavy-haul trucking business. The Rutzer's built their home in Nahcotta in 1940 and Goldie occupied the same residence for 73 years. She was not one to join organizations or socialize much, preferring to spend her time caring for her home and garden plus a family of four boys, including twins. Following Otto's death 1991, with the help of friends in the community, Goldie was able to continue living at home until the age of 97 when she moved to Golden Sands Assisted Living in Klipsan Beach. Goldie is survived by three sons: Max (Barbara) Rutzer of Walla Walla, WA, Roy (Nell) Rutzer of Medical Lake, WA, and Ray (Vickie) Rutzer of Randle, WA; step-daughter Joyce Badgley of Yelm, WA; numerous grand and great-grandchildren which were very special to Goldie. A son Charles "Sonny" Rutzer died in 1997 as did a step-son Ronald in 1994. At her request, no service will be held. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com