Sally Rose Ruttkay, age 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, resilience, and devotion to family on August 25, 2026. A Celebration of Life Service will be from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Riverside Lutheran Church in Sioux City.  A private family interment will be on Sunday, September 20th in Howard, South Dakota in the Graceland Cemetery.  Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sally was the oldest daughter born to Lee Martin and Esther Martin-Haberman on October 23, 1939, in Bronson, Iowa. Raised in a large family during challenging times, Sally learned early the values of perseverance, sacrifice, and caring for others. She attended Central High School however, she left school to help care for her family and later, earned her GED, and completed nurse's aide training at St. Joseph's Nursing School. On July 6, 1958, Sally and Richard Ruttkay were united in marriage in Sioux City, Iowa. Together they shared more than 65 years of love and devotion and raised nine children. In the early years of their marriage, Sally worked as a Nurse's Aide, where she demonstrated the compassion and nurturing spirit that defined her life. She was especially remembered for caring for and providing final comfort by holding and rocking critically ill infants and helping families through difficult moments.

As their children grew older, Sally and Richard built and operated their own cleaning and janitorial business, working side by side for many years. Their determination and strong work ethic enabled them to provide for their growing family and build a life together. Later, both Sally and Richard worked as custodians for the Sioux City Public Schools, where they became known for their reliability, dedication, and pride in their work.

Sally found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved crocheting and spent countless hours creating handmade blankets that remain treasured family keepsakes. She enjoyed reading romance novels, caring for her grandchildren, faithfully following her favorite soap operas, listening to country music, tending to her house plants, playing cards with family and friends, bowling in ladies' and couples' leagues, playing bingo, and researching family genealogy.

Following retirement, Sally and Richard moved from Sioux City to Onawa, Iowa, where they enjoyed a quieter chapter of life. They maintained a home in town and a beloved cottage on Blue Lake, which became a gathering place for family and friends. Some of their happiest memories were made at the lake, hosting family gatherings, enjoying peaceful afternoons, and creating traditions that will be cherished for generations. She and Richard enjoyed casino trips, time at Blue Lake, and sharing life's adventures together. Sally loved traveling both locally and internationally, and spending time with those she loved most.

Above all else, Sally's greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She celebrated every milestone, offered comfort through every challenge, and served as the heart of her family. Her wisdom, generosity, and unconditional love touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Left to honor and cherish her memory are her brother Neal (Peggy) Martin, children: Bradley (Teri) Ruttkay, Daniel (Paula) Ruttkay, Marla (Lynn) Patrick, LeAnn (Michael) Carter, Shawna (Randy) Scofield, Elizabeth (Jerry) Graves, and Dawn (Todd) Langhoff; her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and best friend of more than 60years, Mavis Holman. Sally found comfort and companionship in her beloved cat, Sissy, who faithfully stayed by her side following the loss of her husband. Sissy brought her joy, comfort, and companionship during a chapter of life marked by reflection and treasured memories.

Sally was preceded in death by her husband Richard Ruttkay; her children James Ruttkay and Janene Ruttkay; her parents Lee Martin and Esther Martin-Haberman; her parents-in-law Ivan and Elsie Ruttkay; her grandsons Joshua Patrick and Devin Graves; her great-grandson David Angel Lozano; and her siblings James (Lorena) Martin, Floyd Martin, Joe (Sandi) Martin, Esther (Calvin) Morrison, Delma (Lee) Lafave-Carter, and Anna (Lawrence) Martin-Stephenson. Sally will be remembered for her gentle heart, her devotion to family, and the lasting impact she made on all who knew and loved her.