René Joy Rutan

René Joy Rutan passed away on June 19, 2025 at Northeast Hospital of Braselton Georgia due to lung cancer and congestive heart failure complications. She fought her cancer for a long four years with a smile and willingness to be there for others until her last days at age 71.

René was born in Lodi, Ohio to William J. Steinmetz and Donna J. Nash on September 22, 1953. She graduated highschool with a secretarial degree that she used working as an administrative assistant for 10 years before helping her husband run their family business Rutan Refrigeration. She filled her extra time with acts of service for others, volunteering as much as she could at Wilcox Hospital on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. Her time here was very dear to her heart. She shared many stories of friends she made and people she helped at Wilcox. René also enjoyed her time as DJ on a local station on the island and loved music and the happiness she could easily spread through this outlet. Her philanthropy continued as she donated to organizations to help children and wildlife all around the world. After closing the family business to care for her husband, she spent the remainder of her days focusing on her charitable donations and her family as a homemaker in Georgia.

René was preceded by her beloved husband Hugh Rutan as well as her parents and siblings Barbara Albrecht and Mark J. Steinmetz. She is survived by her two loving sisters Beverly L. Steinmetz and Lori J. Groves (husband Charles) and her many nieces and nephews.

A service will be held to celebrate her vibrant life on Friday June 27th at Wages and Sons funeral home in Lawrenceville, Georgia. The family asks that attendants wear bright colors to memorialize René’s great fashion sense and lively spirit that she brought to every occasion.

René was loved by her family as deeply as she loved them in return. She was a kind steward to those close to her, and made sure no one went without. She was always willing to affirm the feelings and thoughts of those around her, and never wanted her loved ones to feel alone while they went through hard times. She was always quick and ready to give of her time and resources to bring others comfort and happiness. Her middle ‘Joy’ was appropriately bestowed upon her. Whether it was watching some good comedy, throwing clever jabs, or just partaking in the general clatter of family gatherings, she was efervescent with joy. Her laugh and her smile will be dearly missed.