I met Rusty at my first Night of Hope auction the year I started working at Wings of Hope. She had on a sparkly hat and a big smile. I will always remember her that way. She brought in an assortment of items for the auction, the night of the auction but we managed to place each item so that her donations made a difference. One of the items was a fur "muff", something that I had not seen since I was a child! Most of the younger people didn't know what it was. I wondered who would end up with that special item and I believe the lucky winner was our Executive Director, Theresa Lynn. This was meant to be as Rusty had a special place in her heart for Theresa and prayed for her every day. Rusty is missed but will always be remembered, by me and all of us at Wings of Hope. 

Rusty was an inspiration! I met her about 5 years ago at a Right to Life event.  She was strong, thoughtful, independent, and one of a kind! She reminded me of my Grandma and when I told her that she asked if my Grandma was sassy too! She told me to be strong and do what was right even if that meant breaking the mold. I've kept several voicemails and prayers she mailed to me as a reminder to be like Rusty. I am blessed to have had her friendship. 

After breaking my wrist, I was taken to an orthopedic surgeon. On the way Rusty called but I let the call go to voicemail, knowing how long her calls could be.  It was right after Covid began so no one was allowed in the room with me.  As I was waiting for the doctor, I decided to listen to Rusty's message.  She sounded so surprised when she realized she had called me.  She said  "Cath, I didn't mean to call you, I was trying to call Ryan at EWTN, oh well she said there must be a reason why I got you, so I'll just pray the Angelus with you" which she went on to pray in full.  As I listened to her voice, tears came to my eyes, I had felt so alone and afraid, but I realized I really wasn't alone at all!  God sent my angel friend Rusty to comfort and pray for me! 

I remember Rusty having me drive their big Cadillac to cathecism class on Wednesday night.  I told her I didn't have my license yet.  She would say she wouldn't tell anyone.  I'm not even sure if she told Dick she let me drive it.   

Tuesday morning we lost a remarkable lady but Heaven gained a good one! Rusty Dutkiewicz went by many things, Catholic, Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, as she use to recall "I was a baby politician" (no pun intend) and friend! Her commitment to her church, her community, the unborn and her God was truly amazing to see. Rusty had a big heart for people, and she would do whatever she could to help... even if it meant sacrificing something. She would say things out of love though sometimes she didn't always say it in the most political correct way. She was champaign for the unborn since the Roe v Wade Supreme Court case, and as a result started North Allegan Right to Life. She was a member of the Michigan Right to Life board and after that got involved in the Allegan GOP and local elections. It is kinda fitting she went to be with the Lord on a quiet Election Day morning. I will never forget driving around putting up 8x10 signs or picking up yard signs back when she had her van. The sparkly hat will be missed, as well as all the stories of this or that. Rusty frequently joked said "Dick beam me up" and Tuesday she finally got that request. St. Peter's cloud of witnesses just got a little bit brighter! Prayers for the Dutkiewicz family, but know that Jesus probably had Rusty's heavenly crowns in the shape of her classic sparkly hat. ;-)

Aunt Rusty, we will miss your larger than life presence as the family matriarch, especially all your advice, stories and political conversation.  I so treasure all the memories of visits with you and other family at Barb & Bill's cottage every summer.  Your constant notes and birthday cards are family legend and will be so missed!  One Rusty memory, I particularly remember was my oldest child's Jake's first Christmas.  I had started to send out Christmas cards and was addressing them in the car on our way to see my parents in Utah.  I sadly left the box with the original photo and all the cards outside a gas station somewhere on the road.  My Mom mentioned this to Rusty.  Luckily Aunt Rusty had already received my card and immediately sent it back to me so I was able to make more.  She was so thoughtful, always.  

Condolences to the Dutkiewicz Family.

Rest in Peace Aunt Rusty (and Uncle Dick). 



“Life” seemed to be the theme of Rusty’s life. Mom lived an extremely full life. She brought 7 lives into this world (with a little help from Dad). Her life experiences were so rich that she couldn’t help but, shall we say, sometimes over-communicate her life lessons to people. 
In her many roles as Store-keeper, Church-Lady, School Bus Driver, Political Activist, Social Justice Crusader, etc, she touched so many lives that it is hard to find someone who didn’t know her or know of her.
I have filled many roles in this life also. Likely due to the examples of Mom & Dad. My volunteerism for the last 20 years was more in a structured form such as the American Legion or DBA, or Dorr 4th Celebration. Even though she would also work with charity groups, Rusty would many times see and fulfill the needs of people on her own.
Right to Life of course, became her obsession for over 40 years. She not only preached it, Rusty lived it. Before there were shelters for young, scared pregnant girls or abused wives or needy families, Rusty would recognize their needs and help them in any way she could.
Her political obsession which grew even stronger after Dad was gone, was so intense because she could clearly see the many ways that big government ruins people’s lives by making them dependent on the state instead of letting them live their life free of government interference.
Agree or disagree with her, Rusty would remain your friend and ally. She loved life and did more for humanity in her 92 years than any of us could hope to achieve. She loved to have fun and I’m sorry I didn’t have room here for some of the fun stuff but those moments are the one’s I’ll cherish forever. She was quite a Lady that Mary Lou!


My dear Rusty. You were always ready with a big smile and a kind word. Im really going to miss you Honey.  Love Kathy

Rusty, I feel confident to address you directly as I know full well you are already deep in prayers for those you left behind. I know that you deservedly look on this as a promotion and that you have been anxious to reunite with Dick.  You will be greatly missed and we will be hard pressed to seek out thoughtful and entertaining letters to the editor ( under your various pen names). Your energy and passion never flagged— you set a high bar for those you left behind but such an amazing example of selfless giving and work will inspire us to try.
Rest In Peace Rusty, you deserve it.
You are in our prayers.

Dear Family,
We always loved Rusty’s name!  Our Father, Frank Donahue, loved His Brother, Tony’s Beautiful Daughters.  We always thought Dick was a very Handsome and Wonderful Man !  Marilyn and I had been to Dorr least two or three times; including ,most recently, when they celebrated a Milestone Anniversary. We were amazed at the Supermarket and all that they were accomplishing.  They raised Great Kids!  We Love and Miss Dick & Rusty!
Our Condolences,
The Donahue Twins

We will always remember Rusty for her infectious laugh and her love of family. Barb and Steve Eddy

Rusty was a truly delightful person.  She was  my husband’s cousin.  She always greeted us with a  genuine smile and kind words. May she rest In peace .

I have only good thoughts on Rusty🌹 ya see , my mom told me, when growing up with 1 income and 4 kids money was tight. Mom said “Rusty would hold a check till dad got paid cuz there was no food in the house” many times. 
I remember when I was about 10 walking up to Dicks and Rusty helped me pick out penny candy ( Younghans dont know what that is! Lol)from behind the counter. I would ask her “ what can I buy with this Rusty?”She would take the time to help me. 
Then when I got older ( like 40s) I love to give her a hard time.I’d tell her “ Rusty , Iam a he then , like my dad .oh my word that would start a whole big conversation of me needing to read the Bible. 
She use to give me a ride to catechism and always ask me “Honey are your lashes real or do you have make upon?.  I love them I just love them. “Rest in peace Rusty, “

Our thoughts and prayers to the family.  May God wrap each of you  in His peace and comfort through this sorrowful time.

Sincerest Sympathy

My sincerest condolences for such a tremendous loss.  Rusty left her impact on this world and will be missed as she claims her eternal prize.  It was a pleasure to know her for the short time that I have.

Rusty was one of a kind.  Always had a big smile for everyone.  A champion for the unborn.  She will be missed by so many.   Dick finally "beamed her up" to heaven.  Rest in peace, Rusty, I will miss you.  

What a powerhouse!  We have lost a great one.  I was  in constant amazement of her passion, enthusiasm, and faith.  She is well deserving of her time in heaven, but the entire community has lost someone very special.

Mike

Being the eldest in a family of 8, Aunt Rusty had a legacy surrounding her. Her vivacious smile and outgoing spirit Her movie star dreams that were channeled into the community work she performed for the church. Her welcoming love that always made you feel like you were just perfect, just as you were. My husband was utterly charmed by her the first time that he met her. I think he fully received that Rusty admiration and unconditional acceptance. It's rare for people to be so open these days. She was such a gift and presence. So grateful for her in my life.

In the picture, Rusty, far left, with her sisters Beth, Rita and Peg.

So sorry to read of Rusty's passing.  Margie, Sam and I hung out during our teenage years.  She always had a smile. You are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Peace and prayers to the family.  
Rest in peace, Rusty

I remember meeting both her&Dick 
When we first moved to Dorr.They always had a big smile on their faces as soon as you came through the store doors.She had a kind heart&will be missed.Rest in Peace sweet Rusty.❤😔❤😔

Dear Aunt Rusty,
I will miss your smiling face and wet kisses. I will miss the birthday cards you sent over the years.  You were one of a kind.  You lived your life with passion and determination and you were a pillar of strength for our family.  Now let go of my arm!

Ken and I have been blessed to be in laws together with Rusty and Dick I have to many stories to write we will miss her so much as we do Dick sending all our love to the whole family God bless you all and we are blessed with the knowledge they are with our Lord Jesus in heaven!!



So sorry for the families loss, Heaven gained another Angel no doubt.  Prayers for Peace and Comfort.        John and Kim Langlois 

I remember Rusty mostly as a teenager.  She worked in the egg room, and sometimes delivered eggs. She played the piano at Kresge's five and dime.  Full of enthusiasm. She was clearly beautiful and talented. -- always full of love for everyone. She loved life, and was bigger than life. We'll miss her. 
        Tom

We are so sorry to hear of Rustys passing . Rest in Peace, her work on earth is done. Prayers for her family.

Sorry to hear of Rustys passing. May she Rest In Peace. May God comfort you during this time. Hugs to you all

OBITUARIO

Mary "Rusty" Louise Dutkiewicz

8 abril, 1929 – 2 noviembre, 2021

Kubiak-Cook Funeral Services – Dorr Chapel

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