Josephine “Jo” Kathryn Rutkowski
July 19, 1938 - June 8, 2022
Josephine (Jo) Kathryn Rutkowski passed away on June 8th, 2022 at an impressive 83 years old. Jo was born to Kathryn and Harold Ryan on July 19, 1938 in Ely, NV. She had 3 brothers (Morris, Jim, and Craig) and lived in Nevada for most of her life (including but not limited to
Hawthorn, Babbet, Las Vegas, Reno, and Gardnerville).
She married John Rutkowski and was blessed with three daughters; Julie, Kathy, and Felicia.
Josephine was a loving wife, and nurturing mother, and a dear friend. She was a wonderful cook, and visiting their home you could be assured of a delicious snack, a cup of tea and interesting conversation.
Josephine worked for Hughes Executive Air Terminal as a buyer for their gift shop (She then worked at Bingo Palace/Palace Station in the same position). She had a unique ability to know what people would purchase as gifts; she was intuitive and creative. When given the opportunity, she loved to take classes at St. Mary’s Art Center in Virginia City, She was incredibly talented with charcoal. She was a member of Saint Gall’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by her daughters (Felicia and Kathy), her brother Craig, her grandchildren (Heath, Kelee, and McCann), her great-grandchildren (Holly, Kylee, and Morgan), her great-great-grandchildren (Izaya, Weston, and Jess), and countless friends that she considered family (Lynn and Liz).
She was predeceased by her parents (Kathryn and Harold), her brothers (Morris and Jimmy), her husband Johnny, and her daughter Julie. She will also be missed dearly by the family pets (Lilith, Axel, and Marco).
The family of Josephine Rutkowski would like to extend their thanks to Saint Gall’s
Catholic Church (more specifically David) for moving heaven and earth to make sure
she had someone to pray with near the end.