NEWPORT NEWS - Donna Benn Rutter, 80, was long time area resident who battled Alzheimer Disease. She passed away on Monday, November 14, 2016, the 30th Anniversary of her beloved husband's death. She was the only child of Donald and Edwina Benn, born on April 30, 1936 in Maine. As a toddler, her family moved to Newport News, VA, where she lived the majority of her life. As a child, she frequently spent summers with her family in Maine and became especially close with her cousins, Joan Ellen and Gerri to where most would assume they were sisters. She was a graduate of Warwick High School, class of 1954, and married Captain Robert Joseph Rutter on June 22, 1957. She was a devoted wife until his death in 1986. She was an avid reader of romance novels and participated in the chorus of many Lions Club shows. She was a past member of JRCC WYCC's. She also cared for her ailing mother, known as "Gaga" in her longtime family home, on Scottland Terrace in Newport News until her death in 1995. Survivors include her sons, Robert Rutter, Jr. of Newport News, Captain Thomas Rutter (Kelley) of Yorktown, Donald Rutter (Terri) of Florida; daughter, Ann Rutter of Texas; seven grandchildren, Laura, Eric, Patricia, Francis, Joseph, Cathleen and Jonathan of Yorktown; three step grandchildren; one step great grandson; cousins, Joan Ellen Corbett, Gerri Gassek and her daughter, Laura; extended family, Martha McMurran and her son, Epps; sister-in-law, Linda Rutter; nephews, Mark, Russell, Daniel and Charles; and dear friend, Maurine Kirkpatrick. A funeral service will take place at Peninsula Funeral Home on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 2:00 p.m., with the burial to follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family would like to express gratitude to the Walter Reed Convalescent Home and also the Memorial Care Staff in Gloucester. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna's name to the . Arrangements are in the care of Peninsula Funeral Home.