Coach Jason Rutt Memorial Fund

With heavy hearts, we come together to share the news of Jason Rutt’s passing.

At the far-too-young age of 45, Coach Jason Rutt passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on August 19, 2023. He leaves behind his 39-year-old wife, Katie, and their sons Zechariah, who is 14 years old, and Asher, who is 11.

The family is grieving and is in need of help with funeral expenses, along with some basic living expenses to get through the next few months. If anything is raised beyond our campaign target, it will go toward helping them keep their home, and then toward higher education for the boys.

Jason was full of energy, a family man, and loved sports. Besides playing sports himself, he coached a variety of youth sports teams for many years, even serving on the boards of local youth sports leagues. With most people not even knowing about it, Jason did things like spending late nights painting lines on fields so that kids would be able to play the next morning. He fiercely loved and supported his 2 boys on and off the field, as well as helping mentor and develop many other young people along the way. He was devoted to fostering an environment where kids could develop skills that would serve them well throughout all arenas of life. Despite his driving love of sports and young people, Jason now unfortunately will not have the opportunity to be there to watch his son, Zech, play his first game on the Whitehall Junior Varsity soccer school team. Unknown to Zech, his father passed away during his first scrimmage with the high school team, but undoubtedly Jason was watching from above that afternoon through the clear blue sky. As much as he would have wanted to, Jason will not be able to be there to continue teaching those life lessons, cheering at games, or even helping to pay for sports equipment.

Jason loved his family dearly, and since he was their primary provider, his passing means financial upset for his wife and sons. Jason had recently been hired at a new full time job this spring, and he had been making good momentum in many aspects of life. Until now, Katie has been focused on being a mom and raising her boys. However, she started working for Instacart part-time for the last few years to help supplement the family’s income. Now, as a young widow raising 2 young boys, Katie will need to take on the role of financially supporting the family. She will require some time to find a new career.

Unfortunately, like so many families struggling to make ends meet week-to-week in today's world, the family does not have much in the way of savings or life insurance. Therefore, any amount of generous contributions could be life-changing for them. Please consider donating to this fund and sharing the link with others. Any donation, big or small, will help this family in need to get back on their feet and keep their family going. We extend our deepest gratitude for your support. Even if you cannot donate financially, please add this family to your personal prayer list.

We are hoping to raise money to cover a number of expenses:

1. They will need $14,000 to cover costs related to the funeral on August 26th.

2. An additional $6,000 will be needed for cleanup and repairs to the house, which we are hoping to complete by September 8th.

3. Assistance will be needed with paying their mortgage in order to allow the kids to continue living in their current home through at least the end of the current school year.

4. A number of friends and family members have already offered to provide some meals, but continued help with weekly groceries would be appreciated to help continue feeding her 2 growing boys, while Katie seeks training to start a new career.

5. Zech and Asher are both bright young men. Zech will be entering college in just 3 short years. Unfortunately, this family has not been able to set aside money for higher education for the boys. Please consider additional contributions that could support the future of a bright young mind.

For those who Jason’s life touched that would like to attend, his service will be held on Saturday, Aug 26 at Zions Church Hamburg. Viewing will be from 9-10:30a and the service at 10:30a followed by the burial. Information available on Leibensperger Funeral Homes website.