Kenneth Lee Rutgers

Kenneth Lee Rutgers 12/27/1928 - 5/23/25 Ken was born to Theodore (Ted) & Johanna (Jody Van Surksum) Rutgers in Cheyenne, WY. He graduated to his heavenly home on May 23, 2025, after 12 years of Alzheimer’s. Ken was raised in Ballard, WA, graduated from Ballard High School and lived in Edmonds, WA for 30 years before moving to Bellingham in 1991. He married Betty Jean Blackorby in 1952 and they raised their 4 children in Edmonds. He retired from the City of Seattle Engineering Dept. after a 30 year career. Married Janice Stewart-Stone in 1988 and they moved to Sudden Valley in Bellingham where they enjoyed being part of the golfing community, The Firs and the Geneva Church, now Northlake. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, wife Betty, daughter Cindy Rutgers of Patterson, CA. and son Larry Rutgers of Tulalip, WA. Ken is survived by son Randy (Sheila) of Arlington, WA, daughter Becky Kent of Kingston, WA, daughter-in-law Sandie Rutgers, of Tulalip, WA, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandson. He is also survived by his blended family, Heather Cain & Shannon Stone of Boise, Idaho, along with 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. At Ken’s request, a private, family memorial was held. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Camp Firwood Campership fund or the Lighthouse Mission.