JoNell Lorraine (Rice) Rutten, 79, passed away peacefully on December 8 in Cleburne, Texas, surrounded by family.

Born in Springfield, Minnesota, to Milton and Lorraine Rice, JoNell grew up in Nelson, Minnesota. She graduated from Jefferson High School in Alexandria, MN, Class of 1964, and from Humboldt in Minneapolis in 1965. In 1966, she married Richard Rutten, beginning nearly 60 years of marriage.

JoNell and Richard raised their family in Clear Lake, Minnesota, where they opened their home as foster parents for more than 20 years. Later, they moved to Cleburne, Texas, where JoNell continued caring for children as a substitute teacher.

JoNell loved spending summers at their seasonal camper in Minnesota, working on puzzles, and playing competitive games-especially Dirty Marbles and dominoes. She will be remembered for her competitive spirit, joyous laugh, her bigger than life smile and the warmth she shared with everyone she met.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-laws William Sr. and Gladys Rutten: her sister Jeanne Rice; brothers-in-law William Jr.,James and Dwight Rutten; and sons Todd and Ben Rutten.

JoNell is survived by her husband Richard Rutten; daughter Lisa (Dan) Nichols of Rio Vista, TX; son Jeff (Kristine) Rutten of Sartell, MN; daughter-in-law DeAnn Rutten of Jacksonville, FL; siblings Jan (Ron) Stager and Tom (Herbie) Rice; sister-in-law Kay Hobbs; brother-in-law Mark (Michelle) Rutten; sisters-in-law Patricia and Dotty Rutten and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, in the Rosser Funeral Home Chapel.