Robin Riutta
Robin Riutta
Robin (Barbara Starr Kramer) Riutta passed away on May 8th, 2026, at her home in Emerald Heights, Redmond, Washington after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.
Robin was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on February 22nd, 1946, to John Frederick and Barbara Starr Kramer. She grew up on the family farm in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. She loved riding horses around the family farm and taking long walks with her German Shepard named Admiral. She attended school in Chester Springs and graduated from Cazenovia College in New York.
She met her husband, Ray, in Monterey, California where he was stationed in the Coast Guard and she was working for Wells Fargo Bank. They married on September 18th, 1971, in Astoria, Oregon. During Ray’s career they lived in many different places, including England and Alaska. Their oldest son, Ian, was born in London, England and their youngest son, Aaron, was born in Juneau, Alaska. After nearly 18 years living in Alaska they moved to Redmond, Washington in 2012, where they have resided until her death.
She was a devoted mother to her two sons, a wonderful grandmother to her four grandsons, Eamon, Sorin, Ronan and Dante and a perfect life partner to her husband Ray for 55 years. The family moved over 14 times during Ray’s career. Robin was often left to manage the household and cope with two young children in remote places, like Adak, Alaska, while Ray was off serving on one of his ships. She never complained and was always ready for the next adventure.
Robin was a very talented artist using many different media but truly found her niche when the family resided in Juneau, where she learned to bead beautiful pieces at the Tlingit-Haida Center. Her work in this medium is truly remarkable and every member of the family, including her nieces and nephews, all have a special picture created by her specifically for them.
Robin battled cancer for over 27 years and struggled with health problems continually as a result. However, that did not get her down as she was always cheerful and quick with a compliment. Her stock answer when asked how she things were going was “Doing Great!”. “Without a doubt Robin was the strongest, most determined and most cheerful person I have ever known,” says her husband, Ray.
She is survived by her husband, Ray Riutta in Redmond, Washington; her two sons, Ian Riutta in Durham, North Carolina and Aaron Riutta in Arlington, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Eamon, Ronan, Dante and Sorin; her older brother Jack Kramer in Chattanooga, Tennessee and her older sister Lucy Buzzard in Fort Meyers, Florida. She was preceded in death by her youngest sister, Heather Johnson.
Robin was a lovely person who touched many lives over the years and was a very strong Christian. While she will be dearly missed, we are confident we will all gather with her again one day in Heaven.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made on her behalf to the Swedish Cancer Institute at:
24 Responses to “Robin Riutta”
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While I was never able to meet Robin, herself, I have had the privilege of meeting both her sons and they are absolutely wonderful human beings. If the delightfulness of their spirits can be attributed to the parents who raised them, then I have no doubt that Robin was a very special, very warm, and very loving person. This world will miss her terribly, but it’s a comfort to think of seeing her in the next one 💞
Ray and family –
It is with deepest sadness that we learned of your loss. At this time of profound sorrow, we know there are no words that can truly comfort you at this time. Please note that there are many friends who are thinking of you and offering their prayers. Melissa, a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, was also a critical component of Ray’s devotion and service to the United States Coast Guard. We know she will be missed.
Our very best, Fred and Toni
Ray and family,
We offer our deepest condolences and mourn with you over Robin’s passing. We are heartbroken for you. As she did in life, we are certain she’ll continue to be with you. Consider this Robin’s deployment, and find comfort in her homecoming when you are reunited. May God continue to bless you.
Bill & Peggy McGrath
Dear Ray
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Since first meeting Robin at your 1971 wedding through her helping us celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary, she was always a delightful person, making you two an exemplary couple inside and outside the Coast Guard. We send our love and prayers.
Aloha, Glenn and Aileen
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God wrap His loving arms around you and bring you comfort.
Thank you, Riutta family, for sharing these beautiful memories and thoughts of a life well lived by your matriarch. From Robin’s earliest days of having Admiral by her side on her family farm, to her latter days having her favorite Admiral Ray by her side and in her heart, her journey has been a lovingly courageous one. My sentiments are reflected in the many touching words shared by Ray’s USCGA Great ’68 Classmates, and we all know that Robin’s heavenly reward has just begun but will be made even more glorious when she is joined one day by the rest of her family.
Patty and I are extremely sorry for your loss. You have always been a great classmate and leader for the Coast Guard We know Robin will be sorely missed by you and your family.
Ray, Christy and I send our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Although our paths went in different directions after the Academy, we actually had a lot of parallels that resonated when reading Robin’s obituary – having now been married 56 years, two daughters, five grandchildren, the wife assuming tremendous responsibilities during my years of sea duty, and unfortunately, the wife having to also cope with many years of medical problems. May God give you strength to continue on and hopefully you will be able to focus on your good times together.
Having watched the tender and loving care given to Robin as Ray helped administer chemo warmed my heart in their devotion and love to one another. Robin is free from pain, missed by all who knew and were blessed by her open and generous heart and door. Families are forever. The Lord’s blessings.
Lynda
Ray and family, my deepest condolences for your loss.
Ray, I have spent several days trying to find words that could even begin to express how sorry I am for you and your boys. Please know how grateful I am for having known Robin and for the kindness, patience and support she shared with me years ago. I shall always remember her for her strength and kindness.
Dear Ray and Family………..I am so sorry to read of your great loss. There are no easy words here, but knowing she is free from pain and suffering no more is far better for Robin, but toughest on those left behind. You were all so blessed with her love and presence. Focus on the fun time you all had with Robin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rich Schneider
Ray,
I know how difficult this time is for you and your family. Words are never adequate. Please look forward to the time when the good memories and your love win.
Ray,
My heart goes out to you and your extended family. What strength, love and support these wonderful women so unselfishly provided throughout our CG careers and beyond. I pray that your grief will be more than moderated by cherished memories of your time together. Stay strong.
I’m sorry for your loss. Praying for God’s comfort in this difficult time.
Ray and family
I grew up with the Jesuit tradition of having a party upon the passing of someone close because it meant that they had loosed the bonds of the earth with All its trials and tribulations and find eternal happiness with the Lord…try to remember that as you navigate this dark and difficult time. Sleep tight knowing each coming day will be a bit brighter and better.
God Bless
John Gaughan’69-‘70
Ray and family, we are so sorry for your terrible loss. Praying that God comfort you all. Know that we, your friends and classmates are with you in spirit and love.
Dear Ray and family. Though I haven’t seen you for many years, we share many fond memories of our times together in Gerrards Cross/ Chalfont St Peter, England. How delightful Robin was and good friend. It’s a shame that we didn’t reconnect. God bless you Ray, and cherish the moments you shared. My Tom is with me every day and I look forward to being together again. Take care of yourself.
Dear Ray, so sorry to hear of your wife’s death. I only talked with her once at our class reunion, and could see that she was a lovely woman! I have always admired you from high school on and wish you peace and gratitude at this time in your life. Take care, Diana
My heartfelt condolences to Ray, Ian, Aaron and your grandchildren on Robin’s passing. How fortunate you were to have each other for 55 years. You were blessed with a celestial relationship by divine design. Robin is enjoying her family and pets on the other side. May a glorious future reunion comfort and sustain you, Ray.
Dear Ray & Family:
I’m so sorry to hear of Robin’s passing. I know that nothing compares to the loss of a soulmate. May God grant you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
Ray, we were stunned when we read the message about Robin, even knowing she had been fighting cancer for some time. I am glad that you found such a great gal and lived the good life together for as long as you did.
Al and Aggie Onkka
Dear Ray and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Robin. You had an adventurous partner by your side with two Admirals, 14 moves and a joyous and extended family. May you find peace and her strength to sustain you and your family.
Sincerely, Joanie.
Dang, Ray,sorry to here this sad news. I lost Karen 3 years ago already. Seems like yesterday. To quote an old trucker buddy, “This gittin old is not for sissies.”
Praying for you and yours.