Leonard Lyle Rutan, 91, of Meridian died Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at a local care center.  Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Meridian United Methodist Church, 240 E. Idaho, Meridian.  Services are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home Meridian.  Condolences may be sent online to the family at www.accentfuneral.com.

Leonard was born on January 5, 1918 in Phillipsburg, Kansas to Nettie and Herb Rutan.  In 1919 he moved to Nebraska and graduated from Wilsonville High School in 1935.  After graduation Leonard moved to Melba, Idaho.  In 1938 he moved to Meridian and went to work for the Ada County Dairymen's Creamery.  He hauled milk until 1942 and again from 1946 to 1949.  He entered the armed forces in 1942 and served in the infantry in the South Pacific, Guadalcanal, Palau, Philippines and Japan.  He was discharged as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Army.  Leonard married Nancy Buehler in 1947.  Nancy's wedding dress was made from a Japanese silk parachute he brought home from the war.  The dress is displayed at the Warhawk Museum in Nampa.

After a few years of driving truck Leonard farmed west of Meridian until 1960 when he started a twenty-year employment with Strang Sand and Gravel, and G and B Ready-mix.  Upon retirement Leonard worked part-time at the Meridian United Methodist Church for eighteen years.

Nancy, his wife of 51 years, his parents and one brother preceded him in death.  His daughter, Trish and her husband, Bill, of Belgrade, Montana; his son, Doug and his wife, Nancy, of Yuma, Arizona, eight grandchildren, Jessica, Sarah, Katie, Pete, Jake, Julie, Joe and Sarah Marie; and brothers Gene and Russ of Nampa survive him. 

Memorials can be made to the Meridian United Methodist Church of which Leonard was a member since 1947.

Condolences

Sender's Name: Don & Ellen Gasaway
Deepest sympathy, Leonard was a golfing and card playing friend. A really good guy, he will be deeply missed.

Sender's Name: Cindy (Fox) Maxwell
Doug and Nancy, My thoughts are with you during this time. Cindy(Fox) Maxwell former Eagle Elementary teacher

Sender's Name: Cherol and Dick Williams
Dear Doug, Trish, and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Leonard was such a special, caring person. He will be greatly missed. Sincerely, Cherol and Dick Williams

Sender's Name: Jan Hunt Gross
Trish and Doug, My thoughts are with you in the loss of your dad. I remember how often he and your mom came to visit Gramie over the years and how he continued to come see her after your mom died. She always liked that so much. I would like to be able to attend the funeral, but my mother in law is very ill and we are leaving today to see her. It would be great to see you. So many years have gone by! My best to you and your families. Love, Jan

Sender's Name: Von Reed
Doug and Trish, Love you both. Your Dad will always be my favorite uncle. Wish I could be there. Love and Prayers, Von