Dr. John Mark Rutt

Dr. John Mark Rutt, 86 passed away peacefully on September 15, 2024, in Lititz, PA. He was born December 24, 1937, in New Holland, PA to the late Clarence H. Rutt Sr. and Elva Sauder Rutt, as the fifth of seven children. He married the love of his life, Rebecca C. Hartzler, on August 2, 1959, and they celebrated 65 years of marriage this year.

Dr. Rutt practiced family medicine for more than 40 years in eastern Lancaster County, and delivered nearly 3000 babies. He graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School in 1955, Eastern Mennonite College (University) in 1959, and Hanneman Medical School in 1963. After he interned at Lancaster General Hospital, he was drafted, and he and Rebecca moved to Calling Lake, Alberta, Canada, and then Slave Lake, Alberta, in Voluntary Service under the Mennonite Board of Missions. His practice there helped to fulfill the requirement of a doctor in residence, which resulted in the building of a hospital in the town of Slave Lake.

In 1967, he was invited to take over a family practice in Intercourse, PA. He loved to say he cared for patients from “womb to tomb” and particularly enjoyed delivering babies and serving extended families. He built an office in Gordonville complete with delivery rooms, minor surgery, x-ray, and a small pharmacy to serve the rural community. He was a compassionate and beloved physician. Dr. Rutt retired in 2007.

John was a member at Witmer Heights Mennonite Church. He served on the Lancaster Mennonite School Board as treasurer, and the Lancaster Historical Society Board (now Mennonite Life). He was also a member of the Mennonite Medical Association, the Lancaster County Medical Society, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. He was a life-long learner, curious about science and how things worked. He loved working with his hands and fixing things from small engines to electrical wiring. He also enjoyed travel, railroads, reading, and spending time with his family.

Dr. Rutt is survived by his wife, Rebecca C. Hartzler Rutt, and his children, Kathy (Anthony) Beiler, Cochranville, PA, Kevin (Holly) Rutt, Oley, PA, and Darin Rutt (Lindsey Foster), Lampeter, PA, and his grandchildren, Abigail Beiler (Billy Trout), Ethan (Veronica) Beiler, and Olivia Beiler.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the West Bethany Chapel, Landis Homes, Lititz. Visitation will be held at 9:30 am, and a service at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in John’s name to Lancaster Mennonite School or Mennonite Central Committee. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.