Tootie Rekus

Drucille R. Rekus, better known as "Tootie," was a loving daughter, a compassionate and dedicated wife, and a mother who adored her children. She loved them more than anything and always put them at the forefront of her life. With her artistic talent and her sense of adventure, Tootie enjoyed beauty all around her.

Tootie was born at a time of optimism when America was recovering from WWII. Growth in industry and jobs gave workers the opportunity to build homes and start families that launched the baby boom era. Manufacturing companies, such as Kelvinator of Grand Rapids, Michigan, offered employment that guaranteed a bread-winner like Gene Redebaugh, Tootie's father, to make a good living and support his family. He and his wife, Josephine Bush, raised their children on the southwest side of Grand Rapids in Wyoming, Michigan. On July 1, 1948, they welcomed their dear daughter Drucille Renee into their lives. She and her older brother Gene attended elementary and secondary schools in Wyoming. Prior to those early years, her father was raised in Saugatuck, MI, at the infamous Butler Hotel. Tootie's father met his future bride Josephine in Saugatuck while asking the beautiful waitress for a glass of H2O. She didn't know what that was. The two fell in love at that moment and the rest is history. The family spent many summers at this lovely, resort town on the edge of beautiful Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River. For years to come, Tootie would enjoy the delights of sun and sand, water and beach.

Already in childhood, Tootie demonstrated a talent and interest in art. She was always drawing. Her passion and gifts intensified throughout her schooling, and she decided to pursue a career in art. After graduating from Wyoming Park High School in 1966, she enrolled in Kendall School of Design and earned a degree in interior design. Her first job utilized her skills to design roadside parks for the Kent County Road Commission. She loved the work, but unfortunately that department was eliminated. Tootie stayed with the road commission working first as receptionist then moving on to the brand new North Complex in Cedar Springs, MI. She was the only female employee surounded by 70 to 80 hardworking men. She loved her new job and all her new found protectors. Pitty the person that bothered Tootie. In all, she gave 20 years of her time and talent before retiring to start a new career of raising children.

Tootie had met her future husband while visiting a local night spot in Grand Rapids. There, she met a young man named Vic Rekus, and the two of them hit it off immediately. They enjoyed each other's company immensely, and it wasn't long after they began dating that Tootie and Vic fell deeply in love. They were best friends and destined to be lifelong companions which continued for 37 years. Tootie and Vic were married on July 19, 1986 at Faith United Methodist Church. They honeymooned in Cancun, Mexico before settling into a home on Fairfield NW.

Tootie and Vic began their family with the birth of their first child on February 27, 1987. Their dear daughter Nicole became a "big sister" when little Brooke was born on April 26, 1989. In 1981, the family moved to the northwest side of Grand Rapids, first on Fairfield NW, and later on Rosalie Avenue. The girls attended St. Anthony Elementary School, and Nicole graduated from West Catholic High School and Brooke is now a senior at North Kent High School. Throughout their schooling, the girls were involved in sports, and Tootie and Vic were always there to support their daughters whether at school or in other acitivties. For Tootie, family came first.

Tootie, Vic and the girls often vacationed at a family cottage near Stony Lake, Michigan near the beach on Lake Michigan. Along with swimming and strolling the beach, one of their favorite activities was watching the sunset in the evenings. It was the perfect time of day to just enjoy being in one another's presence.

At home, the family often entertained relatives, friends and neighbors. Their pool was a "built-in" magnet for many to share the fun and generosity that Tootie, Vic and the girls had to offer. In winter, the family often made their escape to a hotel where they could continue to enjoy good times around a pool.

Life at home was pleasant to the senses. House plants flourished under Tootie's attention. Cooking smells invited family and friends to savor her dishes, especially her delicious casseroles and her notable potato and egg salad. Tunes of the 60's, 70's and 80's were Tootie's favorite listening. And when things got quiet, Tootie settled down to a good book. She was an avid reader on many subjects, but she treated herself to many-a mystery novel or drama.

Tootie had many friends and people she looked up to. Most notably her big brother Gene who provided a superb role model. Gene was an academic scholar as well as a talented track star and football player. Of all of the men in her life she adored him above all. Another friend since early childhood was Linda Lyons. They did everything together including dressing alike. Many people thought they were twins. It is interesting to note that one of their babysitters was none other than Roger B. Chaffee, the famous American astronaut. Last but not least, Tootie and her friend Sara Lankamp had the privilege of traveling to many exotic places around the world. They often took trips to Florida and such far away places as Mexico, Africa, and South America, including Machu Picchu in Peru and the Amazon in Brazil. Each trip was wonderful!

In the past five years, Tootie went through some difficult times. Her beloved mother passed away, and then her father died just a few years later. She recently suffered from depression and was treated for liver problems. When her liver began to fail a few months ago, Tootie was hospitalized. Recently, she was admitted to St. Mary's Hospital for what were flu-like symptoms. It appeared that she was getting better, and Vic and the girls visited her to give their encouragement and support. Toward evening on Sunday, January 14th, it was discovered that Tootie was suffering from internal bleeding. It was an enormous sadness to the family when it became apparent that nothing more could be done. Tootie died at 8:23 PM with her husband, daughters, and friends by her side.

Tootie was a precious daughter, sister, wife, and mother who loved her family deeply. She dedicated her life to them, and they will miss her dearly.

Mrs. Drucille R. "Tootie" (Redebaugh) Rekus, aged 58 of Grand Rapids, passed away suddenly on January 14, 2007. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gene and Josephine Redebaugh. She is survived by her husband and companion of 37 years, Victor Rekus; her two daughters, Nicole Rekus and Brooke Rekus; her brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Pattie Redebaugh; nieces nephews and many friends. Relatives and friends may meet her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A service to celebrate Tootie's life will be held on Thursday morning at 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW.