Howard L. Rutter

Howard L. Rutter, 79 of Portales, New Mexico passed away on January 14, 2021 in Lubbock Texas. Howard was born to Bruce and Florence Rutter on November 1, 1941. He 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, N.M.

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, N.M., two sons, Greg Rowley of Portales, N.M. and Brent and Suzette Rutter of Elko, Nevada, four daughters Patti (Tim)Lloyd of Coupeville, Washington, Deanne (Aldron) McKinney of Portales, N.M., Jana (Cliff) Hamilton of Albuquerque, NM and Dana Blood of Thoreau, N.M., 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/.