Carol Lynn (Rusak) Clute, age 69 of Clare, passed away on June 25, 2024, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland surrounded by loved ones. Carol was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 15, 1955, to Rose (Rohmer) and Richard Rusak. She grew up in Gladwin before attending Central Michigan University, where she earned a B.A. in Home Economics and Fashion Merchandising with a concentration in fashion design. On April 30, 1983, Carol married Dave Clute in Clare, where they went on to raise a family and live for the next 41 years.
Carol was active in the Clare community and the surrounding area for many years, including through her work at the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce, as a Mary Kay consultant, and most recently as a yoga instructor. She enjoyed practicing yoga, sewing, playing board games, watching old movies, and listening to classic rock – particularly the Beatles. Carol also supported and encouraged her family in their hobbies, spending countless hours at school functions, in ice rinks watching figure skating, and hanging out with her grandcats. Her kindhearted and affable nature shone through in every interaction, ensuring that others felt welcomed and at-ease in her presence.
Carol is survived by her husband, Dave; daughters, Angela and Megan (Tevyn); siblings, Rick (Lisa) Rusak and LoriAnne (Jeff) Mackenzie; and several nieces and nephews. Carol was preceded in death by her son, Nicolas; mother, Rose Rusak; father, Richard Rusak; and stepmother, Jan Rusak.
She will be laid to rest in Cherry Grove Cemetery. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 17, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Doherty House & Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express their sympathy consider making a donation to Karma Kat Cafe (karmakatcafe.com) in Carol’s honor, or by sharing their memories of her in the online guestbook available at stephenson-wyman.com.
