Jill was born to her parents, Dr. Lloyd and Dorothy Greenlea, in Pasadena, CA. She lived with her family in the rural town of La Cañada Flintridge where she was educated and received her high school diploma from the first graduating class of La Cañada High School. She continued her education at La Verne College earning her bachelor’s degree and elementary teaching credential and taught in the town of La Verne, CA, for a short time.
While summer vacationing with family at Lake Arrowhead, CA, she applied at Rim of the World School District and was hired for the fall session at Lake Arrowhead Elementary School, starting her 32-year teaching career.
At first, Jill taught several different grade levels, but it quickly became evident that fifth grade was her notch. She seemed to have a gift for that age group, especially with students that were struggling or having self-esteem issues. She had a natural ability to spark their motivation to learn and be proud of themselves.
American History was part of the fifth-grade curriculum and Jill not only wanted her students to read, report, and test on it, she wanted them to see it in real life. She was the main instigator to get district approval, seeking out the most reputable, safest, educational companies for fabulous weeklong field trips like Washington D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City. This became an annual event for many years for the district. She was constantly looking for ways to inspire her students.
In 1988, Jill was instrumental in supervising the prepping and coaching of 65 fifth-grade Lake Arrowhead students for the worldwide Math Olympiads for that year. They placed third and were awarded the bronze medals. In 1989 her students took first place in the worldwide math decathlon for fifth graders, and in 1991 she was selected as one of four finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.
Even though she was very busy with her teaching, she did meet a nice businessman by the name of Jay Marshall and got married. They lived a productive life together for many years and when he retired so did Jill. They moved to Lake Havasu, AZ, and started boating, traveling, and all the things they liked to do when suddenly Jay died.
Jill was in shock for quite a while, but eventually her enthusiasm for living kicked in and she picked herself up to start life anew. She was also a talented artist and made beautiful greeting cards and clever boutique items for art shows, all the time meeting new people. One was a retired gentleman, Perry Rutan. They enjoyed being together, started dating, became a couple and married for 11 years of traveling and wonderful retirement activities together.
Jill never had any children of her own, but she would always say “My students are my children.” She passed away peacefully with her family by her side who love her so dearly.
She is survived by, husband, Perry Rutan, of Lake Havasu, AZ. Three sisters: Janice Baumer of Lake Havasu, AZ, Judith Wurtz of Somis, CA, Joan Greenlea of Pasadena, CA, and their families.
