Jeanette Ann (Thom) Rutch

Jeanette Ann (Thom) Rutch of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Thursday, October 23, 2025. She was 85 years old. Jeanette Ann Thom was born on July 24, 1940, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Leo and Nonie (Purchase/Brandt) Thom. She was a proud 1958 graduate of Saginaw High School. Through a childhood friend, she met the love of her life, Ronald Gary Rutch. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage May 14, 1960, in Saginaw; he preceded her in death on September 28, 2013. Jeanette was employed with Saginaw Public Schools as a cook at Kempton Elementary School, retiring after 25 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role of her lifetime, one she treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and dedicated wife, stay at home mother, and caring grandmother and great-grandmother. Jeanette was a longtime and faithful member of Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, St. Dominic Parish. She enjoyed spending time at the casino and pressing her luck playing triple bonus poker. Jeanette enjoyed people watching, monthly lunches with the “Golden Girls”, taking fall color tour rides with family, but what she loved the most, above all things was to spend time with her family. Family was her heart and as well as her little piece of heaven. Jeanette will forever be remembered for her innate ability to connect with people, for selflessly listening without judgement, for her beautiful smile, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are four children: Sharie Drayer Rutch of Saginaw; Terry Rutch of Saginaw; Mark Rutch of Saginaw; Tresha (Tom) Peake of Saginaw; 11 grandchildren: Ronald (Katie), Billy, Kellie, Chris, Steve, Shane, Amanda (Joel), Nathan (Rachel), Adam, Nicholas (Alexis), and Kayla (Keane); 12 great-grandchildren: Erik, Emma, Mary, Jake, Blake, Kallie, Joel Jr., Josie, Nolan, Tyler, Jackson, Theodora; a brother, Jim (Char) Thom of Saginaw; a sister, Barb (Dave) Reisig of Saginaw; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Thom of Hemlock; Betty Thom of Saginaw; four special friends: Doris Hatfield of Saginaw; Theresa Swanson of Saginaw; Betty and Lupe coworkers turned friends. Also surviving are countless nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends too numerous to mention, but held closely to her heart.

She was preceded in death by a son, Ronnie Rutch; a grandson, Charles Rutch; three siblings: Ken Thom, Nancy (Al) Duranso, Fred Thom; a best friend, Ruth Morris.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the MMR staff, especially Bradley, Micah, and Paige for all the love and care they provided to Jeanette and the family.

Honoring Jeanette’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at Chapel Hill Mausoleum at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Mustard Seed. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family through www.casefuneralhome.com.