Jane Elizabeth Rutberg

Jane Elizabeth (Ashline) Rutberg, “Janey,” 77, passed away on May 5, 2022, in Lake Wales, Florida, surrounded by her family at home.

Jane was born in Beverly, Massachusetts on September 20, 1944. She was the daughter of Eleanor Madeline (Silva) Ashline and Robert Pickett Ashline, who preceded her in death in 1965 and 1996, respectively.

Jane lived in the city of Gloucester, Massachusetts for 49 years, a small town located on the coast of Cape Ann. She grew up on the sands of Good Harbor Beach. Jane graduated from Gloucester High School in 1962, and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science in 1967 from Simmons College, an all women school. She officially became a Registered Nurse in 1967.

Jane held many positions during the span of her illustrious career. She was proud to be the Head Nurse of Pediatrics at Beverly Hospital, Beverly, MA, for many years. Jane greatly enjoyed working with the children. She was also House Supervisor at Addison Gilbert Hospital, Gloucester, MA. At Hunt Hospital, Danvers, MA, Jane taught nurses in training and worked in Infection Control. She also worked at Salem Hospital, Salem, MA, and North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA. Jane left her mark everywhere she worked, with her rigorous work ethic and glowing smile.

In 1993, Jane and her former spouse, Michael Stephen Rutberg, moved to Auburndale, Florida. She lived in Polk County, Florida for the rest of her life. After moving to Florida, Jane settled into an area of nursing she both loved and excelled in: Infection Control.

Jane practiced Infection Control at various facilities over the next 29 years. She was affectionally known around Polk County as, “The Bug Lady.” At one time, Jane was published in The Ledger as an expert on drug-resistant staph infections. A well-respected member of the nursing community, Jane impacted many lives throughout her career and educated many future nurses. Jane officially retired in 2017 after 50 years of practice.

Jane is survived by her daughter, Jessica Eleanor Ashline (Rutberg) Williams, son-in-law Christopher Ryan Williams, and her beloved twin grandsons, Cannon Michael Williams and Cash Gregory Williams. Jane was a proud and active Nanny. She devoted much of her retirement to playing monster trucks and gardening with the boys.

Jane provided unwavering support to animal rescues throughout her life. There was never a creature that did not instantly find comfort in her presence. There is no doubt Jane had a very crowded Rainbow Bridge waiting for her when she got to Heaven.

Jane was authentic. She never reacted in anger, and she showed grace to everyone she crossed paths with. She taught her daughter to never step on ants. She said, “God made the ants, just as He made you and I. We must not step on things simply because they are smaller than us.”

Life never gives us the hand we expect. No matter what card she was dealt, Jane always dug her heels in and forged forward through every setback. Champion of photo finishes, she taught all of her loved ones to never give up, even when the goals appear too far out of reach. Jane knew both victory and defeat, and she led by example in every arena. Her spirit and tenacity will live on forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an animal rescue or wildlife conservation fund.
A graveside service will be held at Wesleyan Cemetery, Gloucester, MA, later this year. All who knew Jane are welcome and encouraged to attend. Information to follow at a later date.

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