Rudolph John "Rudy" Shutey

Rudolph “Rudy” John Shutey Son of Croatian and German immigrant mining families which landed at Ellis Island, NY and migrated across the country following opportunity from PA to MI and eventually settling in MT on Butte’s East Side. Rudy was born in Butte on June 3, 1938 to Rudolph and June Shutey and passed away on January 16th, 2026. Rudy proudly graduated from Greeley Elementary School and Butte High School with honors. He was the first and only member of his immediate family to attain a college degree. Rudy put himself through school graduating from Carroll College in 1961 with minors in Education, English and Philosophy attaining a B.A. with honors (Maxima cum Laude) and recognized as the valedictorian of his class. After graduation, he began his teaching career in Noxon, MT. In 1962, Rudy joined the military and was stationed at Signal Section, Headquarters, 7th Army in Stuttgart, Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to Butte and taught English and Spanish at Boy’s Central High School. Rudy continued his teaching career from 1966-1974 as an English, Reading, History, Math, and Speech Teacher at both East and West Junior High Schools. Rudy went on to attain his Master’s Degree in Secondary School Administration at Montana State University in 1973 – 1974. He maintained a 4.0 average and was elected to membership in MSU’s Chapter Phi Delta Kappa. Rudy spent the bulk of his leadership career in the Butte School System acting as Curriculum Director, Vice Principal of East Jr. High School, and Principal at West Elementary and eventually retired as Assistant Superintendent. During his tenure as Curriculum Director, he assisted in the development of and directed the Elementary Art Program, established the Community Curriculum Advisory Committee, authored a booklet on diagnosis and treatment of reading disorders; authored, edited, and disseminated a district curriculum newsletter and so much more. The highlight of Mr. Shutey’s career was being recognized by local, state, and federal governments as the pioneer and driving force behind the Accelerated Learners Program (ALP) which was implemented throughout Montana, adopted and is still used today throughout the nation. Mr. Shutey earned a multitude of awards and honors including but not limited to: Certificate of Commendation – 7th Army; Who’s Who (In Education and in Colleges and Universities); Montana Association of Gifted and Talented Distinguished Service Award; Montana Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Special J.S. Award; School District #1 Dedicated Service Award. He was appointed by OPI to a Task Force on Arts Education and on the Gifted. He was elected to serve on Board of Directors of MASCD, elected Second Vice President, elected First Vice President and Conference Chair all for MASCD, and was selected one of the top five Superintendents of School District #1. Rudy was appointed to the ASCD National Board of Directors and attended ASCD’s Presidential Training Conference in Washington D.C. Rudy also served as a charter member of the Montana Association of Gifted and Talented Education. He served as Vice President of Montana AGATE and was a Conference Chairman for the organization. He was published by the Educational Clearing House publication, and presented curriculum development programs before State Board of Public Education. Mr. Shutey served on the Board of Directors of: United Way (Budget and Loan Ex Chair), Campfire Girls, and the American Red Cross. He served on the Chamber of Commerce Economics Education, and was appointed to the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. Rudy met his wife Sandra, a fellow educator, while both worked at Hennessey’s Department Store. They were married for over 50 years and were blessed with a large family. Children: Mark (Tammy) Shutey, Michelle (Bob) McCann, Nanette (Paul) Pietrewicz, Danielle Shutey, Christiane (Pete) Newton, Josh (Marie) Shutey. Eleven Grandchildren: Tyrell (Pam), Matthew (Chelse), Cyndel, Bryce, Marcus, Shaina, Sean, Kendall (Nicole), Zia, Joseph, Grace. Four Great Grandchildren: Kelton, Isabella, Paxton, Bennie. Living Siblings: Nancy Henderson, Mike (Kathy) Shutey and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He is proceeded in death by his loving wife Sandra, parents Rudolph and June Shutey; Parents-In-Law: Stafford and Ruth Cloonan, Brother-In-Laws: Larry Henderson, Bud Cloonan, Charles Cloonan, Paul Cloonan; Sister-In-Law Juliene Cloonan. Cremation has taken place. Funeral mass will be celebrated January 30th, 2026 at 11am in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Friends may call at the church beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or Shriners Children’s Hospital. Rudolph John Shutey’s dedication to education and his community changed the lives of countless thousands; he will be deeply missed.

Tributes

Rudolph John "Rudy" Shutey

June 3, 1938 - January 16, 2026