Shirley 'Ellen' Rutsatz (Opperman, nee Mitchell)

December 29, 1951 - December 19, 2023

In Loving Memory ~

It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley "Ellen" Rutsatz (nee Mitchell) Opperman) announce her passing on December 19th, 2023 at Terrace, BC.

Ellen fought a brave and difficult battle with Cancer and is finally at peace. Ellen was born to Ed and Shirley Mitchell on December 29th, 1951, in Pincher Creek, Alberta, the third of eight children, and spent her first 39 years in the Twin Butte and Pincher Creek area.

Ellen was known for her industrious nature, working on the farm, at her job as an accountant, and bookkeeping for friends and family. Ellen sang in the senior choir and was a junior choir leader in the United Church. She played women's basketball and coached mini basketball.

Ellen was one of the original members of The Charolais Club. She had boundless love for her family, farming, music (singing and playing the piano), basketball, and when she had any "spare" time, she liked to read and crochet.

Ellen married Craig Opperman in 1970. They had two children, Bonnie and Tim. In 1990 Ellen, Craig, and Tim moved to Cut Bank, MT where they owned a Conoco gas and bulk station. She then worked in accounting at the hospital. Ellen sang in the choir at the First Presbyterian Church. Ellen and Craig divorced in 1995.

Ellen married Ken Rutsatz in 2003 and after moving to Terrace, continued to work in accounting, and together with Ken formed a consulting business. Singing with the local chapter of Sweet Adelines and participating in a Barbershop Quartet was her passion. She liked to garden in her flowerbeds and watching the hummingbirds at the multiple feeders all gave her immense pleasure.

Ellen was predeceased by her parents Ed and Shirley Mitchell, her sister Peggy Volkers, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Ellen is survived by her husband Ken Rutsatz; her aunt Grace Fitzpatrick; siblings Pat (Kim) Hardy, Joanne Mitchell, Barb Dunbar, Becky (Kris) Skinner, John Mitchell, and Buzz Mitchell; her children Bonnie (Chris) Opperman, Tim Opperman, their children Alex (Emma), Lily, Keyton, Tyra step children Sean (Michelle) Rutsatz, and Dustin (Jackie) Rutsatz; their children and grandchildren; Tristen (Hailey), Grace (Jordan), Jenna (Malcolm), Kirsten, Ben, Sara, Micah, and Isaac; and great-grandchildren Nora and Aydan; along with several cousins and their extended families.

A celebration of Ellen's life will be held in Terrace on May 4th 2024, at 634 Matson Road at 2 pm.

There will be a memorial service for Ellen on May 18th, 2024, at 11 am at the Pincher Creek United Church.

Service will be followed with lunch in the church hall and following that an interment will be held at Fishburn Cemetery out towards Twin Butte.