Don Q. Ruottinen, 78, a resident of Deming, NM entered eternal rest on Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at his residence.

Don was born on April 4, 1940 in Calumet, MI to Walter Ruottinen and Gladys Koskela.

Don was a United States Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer E-9, Retired Veteran Serving our country honorably as a Naval Engineering and Machinery Technician. Don also retired from Phelps Dodge in Morenci, Arizona. Don was a Plank Owner Navy Memorial in Washington D.C. and Past Commander at the American Legion in Deming, New Mexico and Lifetime Member of the American Legion and of the Disabled American Veterans, US Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association and Coast Guard Enlisted Association.

Don`s interests included traveling with his wife Fran throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico.

He loved Art, History, Reading, Football and NASCAR races and talking to his family, grandchildren and all people in general.

Don touched so many hearts in his lifetime with the love, generosity, kindness he displayed and was loved by all that ever had the opportunity to know him. The Weather May Vary From Day to Day, But a Good Ship Mate You Will Always Stay.

He is survived by his wife, Frances "Fran" Ruottinen; two sons, Dana Ruottinen of New Mexico and Quentin Ruottinen and his wife Terry of Virginia; one step son, Steven Solis and his fiancé Melissa Padilla of Albuquerque, NM; two daughters, Corrina Ruottinen and her fiancé Allen of Ruidoso, NM and Thimberly Martinez of Radar Spring, NM; two step daughters, Charmaine Sias of Deming, NM and Elena Solis Gutierrez and her husband Raymond of Los Lunas, NM; two sisters, Evelyn Jackman of Minnesota and Gloria Kivela of Michigan; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents; two sisters, Grace Ruottinen and Fay Ruottinen and one daughter-in-law, Arlene Ruottinen.

A celebration of life service will be on Friday, June 8, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with Chaplain Dan Kline officiating. Concluding services with an inurnment will follow at Fort Bayard National Cemetery with Military honors.

The Ruotinnen family would like to give a special thank you to Ambercare Hospice and nurses, The American Legion, Commander, Ed Miller, Chaplain Dan Kline and all his family and friends that were there for Don.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-546-0070.

To send your condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapels.com