Shirley Ann Rutscher

Shirley Ann Rutscher

April 15, 1931 – June 28, 2026

Bossier City, Louisiana

Shirley Ann Rutscher, 95, went home to be with the Lord on June 28, 2026. She is now reunited with her loving husband of 64 years, John Rutscher.

Shirley was raised in Mountainside, New Jersey, the daughter of James and Josephine Mullin. It was there, in her youth, that she met John, her high school sweetheart and the love of her life. The two were married in 1954, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades and carry them across the country and the world.

As the wife of a United States Air Force pilot, Shirley embraced a life of service alongside John, making homes for their family in Grandview, Missouri; Bitburg and Ramstein, Germany; Biloxi, Mississippi; Glasgow, Montana; Fort Worth, Texas; Minot, North Dakota; and finally Bossier City, Louisiana. With John frequently away on duty, Shirley was the steady heart of the household, capably managing every responsibility at home and lovingly raising their two children. Her strength, grace, and quiet devotion held her family together through every move and every absence.

Wherever life took her, Shirley gave generously of her time. She spent countless hours volunteering at her children's schools and at the churches her family attended. Shirley was a long-time member of the Barksdale Officers’ Wives Club, a club that was responsible for running the operations of the Thrift Shop on the Air Force base. From 1969 - 2004, Shirley could be found volunteering at the Thrift Shop, blessing all who crossed her path with her kindness, meticulous organization, and caring spirit.

Since 1986, Shirley and John were devoted members of First United Methodist Church of Bossier City, where her faith found expression in service. She volunteered with the Helping Hands food pantry, faithfully washed the communion linens, served as a greeter with John, and was a cherished member of the Mary Ewing Sunday School Class and later the Parker Sunday School Class.

In her later years, her unwavering devotion was most evident in the loving care she gave her husband as his health declined, tending to his every need with patience, strength, and selfless dedication until his passing. After his death, she continued to embody the same quiet determination and resilience that had defined her life, remaining fiercely independent and living in the home she loved until her own passing at the age of 95. She took great pride in keeping an immaculate home, making her bed each morning, doing her own grocery shopping, driving herself to medical appointments, and faithfully attending her weekly exercise class. Her capable spirit, disciplined nature, and steadfast independence were an inspiration to all who knew her.

Shirley was, above all, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She met life's demands with quiet courage and gave the people in her life constant love and support. Her family will remember her for her steadfast devotion, her gentle spirit, her love for life and laughter, and the home she made a place of comfort and grace.

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Major John J. Rutscher (Ret.), who passed away in 2018; her parents, James and Josephine Mullin; and her brothers, Robert Mullin and Edward Mullin.

She is survived by her daughter, Sally Summey; her son, Steven Rutscher (Dana); three grandchildren, Jennifer Brewer, Michelle Riner (Jeremy), and Cody Rutscher; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Dalton Brewer; and a host of extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

Funeral services will be on July 11, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Bossier City. Family will be receiving friends starting at 10:00 a.m. until service time. Officiating will be Rev. Donnie Wilkinson and Rev. David Dietzel. Interment will be at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following organizations: First United Methodist Church of Bossier City, Shriners Hospitals for Children (Shreveport), College of the Ozarks or the charity of your choice.