Geraldine Rutschke

Geraldine “Sharon” Rutschke passed away November 27, 2018 at her home in Billings, Montana. She was born September 24, 1943 in Billings to Henry, Jr. and Eleanor (Steffan) Ostwalt. She graduated as class valedictorian from Absarokee High School in 1961. In 1965 she had a son Jeffrey, and a daughter Traci in 1966. On May 12, 1967 she married Ronald Rutschke and had a successful career spanning many decades as a legal secretary, retiring due to her husband's health issues. In 1985, they purchased property in Boyd, Montana near Cooney Dam. They were able to spend twenty-six years there together, sharing their lives with their many cats and their beloved donkey Donkers. Ronald passed in 2011 and Sharon remained living in Boyd until the fall of 2017. She then moved to Billings to live with Traci until her passing. She enjoyed spending time with Cocoa, her cat and spoiling her granddaughters, nieces and nephew. She shared her love of reading with her nieces and her love of wrestling with her nephew. She adored her “grand' puppies Chey and Mya. She and Mya loved nothing better than to snuggle and watch her beloved cooking shows. She spoiled her “girls” with love and special treats. Sharon loved her weekends with her great-niece Tavia, snuggling and sharing their love of reading and crime shows. Tavia was her best buddy to the end. Sharon is survived by her sister Gladys Renee McFarren; son Jeffrey (Deb) Ostwalt; daughter Traci Ostwalt; stepson Randy Rutschke; two granddaughters Alyssa (Christian) Ostwalt and Mandi Olson; four great-grandchildren; two nieces Shaunna McFarren and Krista Charles; one great-nephew and four great-nieces. Funeral Services will be 10:30 am Friday, November 30, 2018 at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Interment will be in Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. In Sharon's honor please wear pink! In lieu of flowers, the family would love donations made to any local animal shelter.