Deborah “Deb” Rutter, 69, previously of Newtown, passed away in her sleep on April 17, 2026 after a courageous battle with ALS. She faced the disease with a strength she exuded throughout her entire life. Deb was born on July 12, 1956 in Scarsdale, New York. She was predeceased by her parents Katharine (“Dotsy”) Eisner and Gerald Eisner, previously of Scarsdale, N.Y. She leaves behind her devoted husband Robert “Scott” Rutter, daughter Casey, and son Taylor. She also leaves behind her brothers Kenneth and Roger (and wife Patricia), her sister Carolyn (and husband Alan), her brother-in-law Dawson Jr (and wife Tami), and her many nieces and nephews, Brian, Matthew, Rachael, and Sara, and several cousins. She was also predeceased by her nephew, Dawson III “DA.”

As the youngest of her siblings, Deb grew up surrounded by family and developed a strong appreciation for time well spent with others. Growing up, she loved skiing in Vermont and out west with her family in the winters, a hobby she later passed down to her children. At Camp Walden, an all-girls summer camp straight out of The Parent Trap (minus the surprise twin), she made lifelong friends and memories that stayed with her always. Those early experiences shaped her love for adventure, connection, and appreciation for the people who meant the most to her.

Deb graduated in 1978 with a master’s in Computer Science, which led her into an exciting career at a time when technology was rapidly evolving. Her work with Pepsi Bottling Group took her across the country, often living out of hotels for months at a time as she helped install new computer systems. She embraced that chapter of her life with energy and independence, forming lifelong friendships and memories along the way. It was during this time that she met her loving husband, Scott, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, while working at the Pepsi Bottling Group, where he also worked. The two went on to share nearly 34 beautiful years of marriage together.

Deb loved to travel and embraced every opportunity to experience life with family and friends, hot air balloon festivals, family vacations, days at the beach, yearly Broadway shows, Eagles concerts, and capturing moments through countless selfies. In later years, she and Scott were often on the move, traveling across the country on the back of his motorcycle or heading out for a simple breakfast, just enjoying wherever the day took them. She had a great sense of humor, known especially for her unforgettable belly laugh which could instantly fill a room and make everyone around her want to laugh. She had the brightest, most unforgettable smile — one that could light up any room — but those who knew her best also knew how quickly it could flip into “the look ” — the one that meant you were either in trouble or she was not amused, and whatever you were doing should probably stop immediately. Yoga/Pilates was a central part of her life, and her yoga group was one of her most meaningful and close-knit circles of friends. Above all, Deb was a devoted mother who never missed a practice, game, recital, or concert, always showing up with unwavering support as her children’s biggest cheerleader and a constant shoulder to lean on.

Calling hours will be at Honan Funeral Home in Newtown on Saturday, April 25, between 11 am and 1 pm. A short reception will be held at Michael’s Tap Room in Bethel from 1 to 4 pm for anyone who would like to attend and celebrate her beautiful life.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in Deb’s memory to ALS United Connecticut or The ALS Association, with the hope that one day no other family has to feel this kind of loss.