Kathleen "Kathy" Marie Rutan

Kathleen "Kathy" M. Rutan, 80, of Lindsay, NE passed away peacefully, Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Holy Family Church in Lindsay, NE with Rev. Taylor Leffler officiating. Inurnment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery, Lindsay, NE. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Kathleen "Kathy" Marie Rutan, daughter of George and Medarda (Dreifurst) Hoadley, was born on July 20, 1945, at St. Mary's Hospital in Columbus, NE. Her childhood and early education took her to California, where she graduated from Artesia High School, carrying with her the enthusiasm and determination that would guide her throughout life.

On July 26, 1963, Kathy married the love of her life, Clifford Lal Rutan, in Downey, CA.  Kathy and Clifford were blessed with four children, who became the center of their world. They eventually settled in Lindsay, NE, where they raised their family and made countless memories in the close-knit community they cherished. Kathy worked as a shipping clerk at Lindsay Manufacturing for 27 years, a position where her steady dedication and friendly spirit were always felt.

Faith was an important part of Kathy's life. She was a longtime and active member of Lindsay Holy Family Church, where she found community, comfort, and strength.

Kathy enjoyed tending to her flowers, working on puzzles and watching her San Francisco 49ers. At home, she was often accompanied by her cat, Callie. Kathy's life was defined by love, love for her children, her grandchildren, her extended family, and the many people whose lives she touched. She treasured time spent with her grandchildren, celebrating their accomplishments and sharing in the joys of their lives.

Kathy is survived by her four children: Denise (Steve) Preister of Lindsay, NE; Lorie (Gary) Hodges of Newman Grove, NE; Clifford Scott Rutan of Lindsay, NE Mandy Nygren (fiancé Joe Ickler) of Albion, NE; 12 grandchildren: Brandon Preister; Mikalah (Tyler) Johnson; Ethan (Carlie) Preister; Blake (Ariel) Carter; Anthony (Adeline) Carter; Logan Hodges; Caden Nygren; Kale Nygren; Jada Voter; Tesla, Lenyn, and Maddyn Ickler; 16 great-grandchildren: Landon, Mariah, Jaxon, Talon, Nolan, Parker, Dakota, Lainah, Kash, Owen, Beretta, Gauge, Kimber (arriving in 2 months), Easton, Oakley, and Remi. seven siblings: Gerry Hoadley; Charles Hoadley; Shirley TePoel; Mary (Dave) Chohon; Gary (Lisa) Hoadley; Larry (Kim) Hoadley; Michael (Sheila) Hoadley; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Clifford Rutan in 2004; sister: Joann Hoadley; and two brothers: Don and Randy Hoadley; sisters-in-law: Deb Hoadley and Sheila Hoadley; and brother-in-law Lee TePoel.