Mary Elizabeth Rutter, 82, a native of Ketchum, died Saturday, Nov. 24, 2007, at St. Benedict's Long Term Care Center in Jerome, with her loving husband by her side.
She was born Dec. 7, 1924, in Ketchum, the daughter of Al and Amy Sexton. She attended schools in Ketchum and Hailey. Mary was an avid skier until one evening when she went "clear up in the rocks with the boys, on homemade skis," and broke her leg, which required a rescue by her father with his dog sled.
At 16 she married Thomas Chiprany, making a home in Cleveland, Ohio.
During the war she went into defense work as a welder in Long Beach, being one of the few original "Rosie the Riveters." There she met her second husband, Milton Terry.
Mary became known for her great chef's abilities, working at Redfish Lodge, the Roundhouse, Trail Creek Cabin and Harrah's Middle Fork Lodge. In later years she became a talented tailor alongside her mother in the Valet Shop.
In 1979 she married the love of her life, Milton Rutter, and they made a home in Hailey. Mary was an active volunteer in elections and a member of the Sawtooth Rangers Riding Club where she and Milton enjoyed many years of camping with friends before moving to Jerome.
Mary is survived by her husband, Milton Rutter, of Jerome; son Ralph Rutter (Julie), of Dumont, Colo.; grandsons Colton Terry, of South Lake Tahoe, Calif., David Chiprany (Diane), of Acworth, Ga., Bryan Rutter Richardson (Kim), of Seattle, Wash., Joey Showalter (Teresa), of Bellevue, Jamie Showalter (Stacy), of Idaho Falls; granddaughters Christina Terry, of San Diego, Calif., Chelsea Behrens (Eric), of Seattle, Wash., Lisa Chiprany, of Acworth, Ga.; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Margaret Chaffin, two sons Thomas Chiprany and Christopher Terry, and grandson John Showalter.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Blaine County Senior Center, 721 S. Third Ave., Hailey, ID 83333. A family interment will be held in the spring.
Arrangements are under the care of Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 South Lincoln, Jerome, ID 83338.
