Nancy Johnson Rutchik

Nancy Johnson Rutchik passed away peacefully at her home on September, 20, 2024. She was a woman of faith, character, generosity and kindness. Nancy was born in Peniel, Texas on November 23, 1930 to Clarice and Troy Johnson and was the third child of six siblings. Nancy was a natural born leader and never met a stranger. Nancy met her husband, Marty, while living in Oak Cliff. It was a loving relationship that lasted 49 years, until his passing in Feb. 1998. Even though Nancy was a Christian and Marty was Jewish, their marriage was full of joy and devotion to one another. With great pride and love, they raised their only child, Ruthie Rutchik Pack.

When Marty passed away from cancer at 69 years "young", Nancy wanted a memorial in his name. Since they both loved taking walks at the Dallas Arboretum, Nancy contacted Mary Brinegar suggesting a statue of a man and woman holding hands on a bench, but Mary responded with a request for something on a slightly larger scale that would bring families together, since Marty would often bring his grandchildren there.

Fortunately, Nancy agreed and the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and "Cool Thursdays" were created, entertaining thousands and thousands of families over the past two decades. Nancy noticed children playing in the unsightly brush next to the concert area and so she also funded the Nancy Rutchik Red Maple Rill, with over 100 maple trees brought in from Oregon. Nancy served many years on the Arboretum Board of Directors and was an emeritus board member at her passing. More recently, her daughter and son in law had a portion of the concert seating area named in her honor, Nancy's Knoll.

Nancy is survived by her daughter, Ruth and son in law, Jay Pack, granddaughters Lucy Schanzer (Kyle) of Dallas and Gracie Meiggs (Wyatt), of Carmel and great grandchildren, Nora, Avery, Sloane Schanzer and Stella and Lela Meiggs, beloved nephews, Richard and Robert Robbins and Bobby Watson.

Friends may visit Nancy between the hours of 4pm and 7pm on Thursday, September 26, at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225. There will be a private burial at Sparkman Hillcrest and a memorial/celebration on a later date in her honor.

The family requests donations be made to The Dallas Arboretum Foundation, 8617 Garland Rd. Dallas, 75218 and Dallas Theological Seminary, 3909 Swiss Ave., Dallas, 75204.