Belen C. Rutter, 87, of Robesonia, was called home by her Lord on Sunday, April 26, 2020, after a lengthy
battle with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. She was the daughter of the late Paulino Calica and
Hilaria Sanchez. She was also predeceased by her brothers Francisco Calica, Romeo Calica, Oscar Calica,
and sister Alice Roldan. Born in Zamboanga City, in The Republic of the Philippines, she proudly became
a U.S. citizen in 1962. Her ex-husband and best friend, Larry Rutter, predeceased her in 2006. She is
survived by her loving daughter: Jody (Plasterer), wife of Glenn Spotts, with whom she resided. She is
also survived by numerous nieces and nephews in the Philippines and in the States, and her fur
grandbabies at home, Baxter, Emma, Gizmo, Roger, Nickie, Cleo, Bailey, Peanut, Bootsie, and Big Boy.
She is also survived by her companion, and will be greatly missed by Robert Howard, Sr. of Myerstown,
PA. She was the love of his life.
Belen, “Tiny” or “Emma”, as she was affectionately known by her
friends and loved ones, worked hard all her life as a seamstress in various sewing factories. During her
lifetime and in addition to being a loving and caring mom to Jody, she graduated from cosmetology school,
and took cake decorating and floral arrangement classes. She loved to cook and bake, and enjoyed
baking cakes to give away to friends and family. Even though she was of modest means, she always
tried to do her part, such as donating to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. After she retired from the S.
Kantner Sewing Factory, she kept busy by being in a bowling league, cooking and baking, going to the
casinos, and taking day trips. She did a lot of these activities with her best friend, the late Betty Geib of
Cleona, PA. She taught her son-in-law how to cook Filipino food and loved going to places like Green
Dragon market with him.
Services were held privately and her remains cremated. Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Leesport, Pa., was in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be made at www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com.