Braydon Aaron Rutz, 16, passed away on Friday, August 30, 2019, at his home in Ponca City. Born August 13, 2003, Braydon is the son of Brandon and Erin Rutz.

Braydon attended Trout Elementary School, West Middle School, East Junior High School, and was currently a sophomore at Ponca City High School. He consistently maintained a 4.0 GPA and earned numerous academic awards.

In addition to being smart, Braydon was creative, imaginative, and artistic. As early as first grade, he began writing and illustrating books and making stop-action movies to show off to his family. His passion for writing continued, and he published many stories online. Braydon had a mind for brainteasers and solving puzzles, as demonstrated by his impressive Rubik’s cube collection. He enjoyed playing video games and listening to music, and he was a genius when it came to technology and electronics of any kind.

One of the most amazing things about Braydon was his heart for others. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it and spent the last several summers working with his Papa. His favorite times with family included cooking with Nana, dinners out with Grandma, annual family vacations to Florida, and playing make-believe games with his baby sister.

Most recently, Braydon was taking flying lessons. He obtained his student pilot license (even before he got his driver’s license), and he was only a few lessons away from earning his solo license. His future goal was to serve in the United States Air Force.

Braydon is survived by his parents Brandon and Erin Rutz; sisters Madison and Brynn Rutz; grandparents Bill and Betty Rutz, Paula Slater and Michael Winkelman of Ponca City and Daryl and Sheila Slater of Tulsa; great grandparents Zetta and Ted Ketterling of Antlers and Alta Slater of Hutchinson, KS; and by first cousin Elise and numerous aunts and uncles.

Braydon was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Roy and Arlene Furr, Loren Slater, John Jordan, Sr., and C.A. and Josephine Rutz.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2019, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1904 N. Pecan, Ponca City. Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home and Crematory. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Oklahoma, 106 South 4th Street, Ponca City, OK 74601 or the charity of your choice. The family would like for you to leave tributes at www.troutfuneralhome.com. paid obituary