Charles (Chuck) Andrew Hutt, passed away on September 7th in Grass Valley, at the home of his oldest daughter, Debra Kathleen Velmere. He was 92.
Chuck was born on October 14, 1929, in Oakland, to Andrew Jackson Hutt and Lenora Belle Moore. As a young boy the family moved from Oakland to Hercules where his father worked for the Hercules Power Company. On December 9, 1944, at the age of 15 he lost his father in a nitroglycerin explosion that rocked the community for 20 miles away. Immediately following his father’s death, he, his mother, and brother moved to Corning to live with his Aunt Mabel and Grandmother. Chuck graduated from Orville High School in 1947. Eventually Lenora moved to Santa Rosa where Chuck drove a truck for Sears Roebuck. He met Kathleen (Kay) June Caldwell working at the candy counter of Sears. His sweet tooth kept him coming back and he and Kay married on May 6, 1951.
Following the birth of their first child in 1953, Sears transferred Chuck to Fresno. Shortly thereafter, he left Sears for a career with the Fresno Army National Guard as a full-time employee. He remained in the National Guard for over 41 years before retiring as a CW-4 Supply Systems Technician. As just one of his duties, on an annual basis, Chuck prepared for the national guards’ two-week summer encampment at Camp Roberts, San Luis Obispo County, while Kay and girls visited family in Santa Rosa. A family of three girls were raised in Fresno for the majority of their growing years. He was transferred to Torrance, in the later years of his career with his wife and youngest daughter beside him. In 1984 he retired back to Santa Rosa, where his wife Kay of 48 years, passed away in 1998. After her death, Chuck found love and companionship with Bettie Smith, and they shared her remaining years together. He spoke often of being “Twice Blessed” in love. In 2019 when Bettie passed away, he moved to Grass Valley where his oldest daughter lives.
Chuck achieved the highest rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America program. He also developed a liking for photography in his high school days. He and his wife were members of the Fresno Field Archery Club for many years in the 60s. He extended his liking of archery by gathering the family annually for 10 days of primitive camping during bow hunting season. He loved hunting and being out in nature and if he couldn’t be outside, he loved watching nature documentaries. After retiring he spent time outdoors mowing lawns, doing woodwork and in colder seasons, he joined his wife doing needlepoint and cross-stitching pieces. He enjoyed being a member of the Santa Rosa Druids Grove 121 and the RV social life of the Redwood Chapter of the Good Sam Club, with clubhouse games and trips to casinos. His favorite games were poker and cribbage. In February 2015 Chuck returned to Hercules for the first time since his father’s death. He discovered the house where his family lived as well as many other historical sites from those early days.
Chuck is survived by his daughters, Debra Kathleen Velmere of Grass Valley, Catherine Ann Davis of Klamath Falls, OR, and Teresa Marie Ritchey of Sutter Creek; six grandchildren, Jennifer Pack of Nevada City, Christopher Lee of Glen Ellen, Shannon Inman and Madyson Davis of Klamath Falls, OR, Amber Davis of Tulare and Elena Ritchey of Sutter Creek; six great-grandchildren, Connor, Ryan, and Samantha Pack, Paige and Shyanne Inman, and Kylie Kimbrell; his half-sister, Kathleen Garcia of Wapato, WA; and three nephews, Donald (Donnie) of Sisters, OR, Mitchell (Mitch) Hutt of Siloan Springs, AR, and Larry Hutt of El Cajon.
Chuck was preceded in death by wife, Kathleen June (Caldwell) Hutt; his parents, Andrew Jackson Hutt and Lenora Belle (Moore) McKinney; brother, Donald Lee Hutt; nephew Gary Hutt; and his companion, Bettie Smith.
Chuck’s family will be gathering in Grass Valley at the home of his daughter on October 15, 2022, 1:00 – 5:00, in remembrance and celebration of his life.
Arrangements are under the care of Hooper and Weaver Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Foothills, Grass Valley.
