Colleen Adams Rutt

Colleen Adams Rutt, 84, of Laurel, formerly of Billings, passed away on Nov. 1, 2018, at Laurel Health and Rehab, where she had been a resident for the past five years. Her family was by her side.

Colleen was born in Columbus on March 29, 1934, to William and Elsie (Baker) Adams. She graduated from High School in Park City. After high school, Colleen enrolled at Eastern Montana College, where she obtained her teachers certificate, going on to teach for a short time before starting her family.

Colleen married Donald Rutt on June 26, 1955. They welcomed three sons, Jon, Jim and Tom. Don passed away in 1977.

Colleen traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting many foreign countries and stepping foot on almost all the continents. In addition to her family, she traveled with Friendship Force, a group of worldwide travelers who would host exchange travelers in their homes and be tour guides to their visitors. She enjoyed staying with host families and learning of their culture, firsthand.

Colleen spent many years as a volunteer at Alberta Bair Theater. She enjoyed the theater, seeing shows, even taking a solo trip to NYC to see a Broadway Production. She was a fierce, independent woman. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Billings before moving to Laurel, where she looked forward to Pastor Gary Bobo's weekly church service at Laurel Health and Rehab.

Colleen was preceded in death by her parents and husband Don. She is survived by her three sons, Jon (Nancy) Rutt of Laurel; Jim (Denise) Rutt of Phoenix, AZ; and Tom (Melissa) Rutt of Denver; five grandchildren, Adam (Amy) Rutt, Betsy (Patrick) Rivers, Daniel Rutt, Hannah Rutt and Logan Rutt; four great-grandchildren and one on the way; her brother, William F. (Elaine) Adams of Lakewood, CO; sister Patricia (Frank) Barndt of Buffalo, WY.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 5, at Laurel Health and Rehab (Please use North Entrance). In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Laurel Montana Community Foundation, Inc., PO Box 1138, Laurel, MT 59044 or online at www.laurelcommunity.org.