Candace L. Rutkus

Candace L. Rutkus, age 70, of Kent, OH passed away unexpectedly at Western Reserve Hospital on Thursday, September 30th, 2021.

Candace was born March 5th, 1951 in Waynesburg, PA to William and Gloria (Bruce) Smitley.

Candace retired from Alltel after nearly 30 years and was a care giver for 10 years at Laurel Lake in Hudson, OH. She loved to spend her winters at her Florida home and the rest of her days here in Ohio with her family. Her smile lit up a room, her heart melted yours, and her saying resonated to us all... “Life is GOOD.”

Candy was a devoted and loving wife of 52 years to Robert A. Rutkus. She was a loving mother to Rachael DiBiase (Jeff), grandmother to Kaylee DiBiase (Logan), caring daughter to Gloria Smitley, sister to Michelle (Ron) Oliver and Aimee (Bill) Ek. She loved all of her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, William F Smitley.

Private funeral services will be held with Fr. Richard Pentello officiating at Bissler’s Funeral Home. Flowers can be accepted as Candy loved them.

There will be no burial as cremation will take place. Please understand that this was so unexpected, there may be a celebration of life at a later date as we understand she was so loved by others.

To share a memory, send a condolence, or light a candle please visit the Tribute Wall at www.bisslerandsons.com