Obituary of Stephen Forrest Routt

Stephen Forrest Routt passed away on February 12, 2024 while resting peacefully at home surrounded by his family. An amazing son, brother, Eagle Scout, husband, father, Educator and volunteer, Steve will be greatly missed by many.

Steve is survived by his loving and devoted wife of almost 49 years, Viki; daughter Sarah “Ellie” Routt of Volcano CA; son Daniel “Dan” Routt (Danielle) of Brentwood CA; and son AJ Routt (Melissa) of Sacramento CA; six grandchildren: Collin Holleran and Isaac Holleran (Ellie), Ava Routt and JT Routt (AJ), and Ryan Routt and Owen Routt (Dan). He is also survived by his beloved sister Margaret “Gaea” Swinford of Sandpoint, Idaho. Steve was preceded in death by his parents Forrest and Alvina Routt; his son-in-law Dave Holleran; and his brother-in-law Ken Swinford.

Steve was born on October 27, 1943 in Martinez, CA to Forrest and Alvina Routt. He spent his young childhood in Martinez before moving with his family to Alameda, CA where he met some of his best, lifelong friends whom all graduated together from St. Joseph’s Highschool, class of 1961. After high school, Steve felt drawn to his devotion to Christ and joined The Marianist Brotherhood, which took him to the University of Dayton Ohio where he studied English with an emphasis in Education. After Dayton, Steve moved back to California to further his education where he attended CSU-Chico State to receive a Master’s Degree in English.

After College, Steve moved to Oahu, Hawaii, where he taught at the Saint Louis Chaminade School. Until recently, Steve and is wife Viki re-visited Hawaii frequently for school reunions and to catch up with old friends. Hawaii has always held a special place in Steve’s heart. In the early 1970s, Steve returned to California and landed himself in Plymouth, CA, where he taught at Plymouth Elementary School and offered his services as a part-time real estate broker. On March 22, 1975, Steve married the love of his life, Victoria Suzanne Vitelli, at St. Mary’s of the Mountain in Plymouth. They later settled just outside of Sutter Creek where they built a home and raised their family: daughter Sarah “Ellie” and sons Daniel and AJ. From 1982 to 1999, Steve taught high school English at Tokay High School in Lodi where many students found “Mr. Routt” to be one of their favorite teachers. Steve shared his love of the outdoors with his children by being a longtime Boy Scout leader of Troop 63 to his sons and participating in 4-H with his daughter.

When Steve retired, he went back into real estate, helping friends and fellow parishioners buy and sell homes. During retirement, Steve also volunteered with many civic groups: Boy Scouts, Jackson and Sutter Creek Lions Clubs, Consolidated F & A Masonic Lodge of Volcano, Italian Benevolent Society, Master Gardeners, and Master Food Preservers. Steve enjoyed cooking, especially his “famous” Ravioli, which he always shared with friends and family; he was an avid gardener and bee keeper; enjoyed hiking with his Wheezers and Geezers buddies, reading the classics, and spending time with his beloved family.

To honor Steve’s life, a Rosary will be said on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. at Daneri’s Mortuary, 415 Broadway, Jackson CA 95642. Additionally, a Catholic memorial mass will be held on March 1, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of the Pines Catholic Church, 26750 Tiger Creek Road, Pioneer, CA 95666, with a reception to follow.

Steve was an avid volunteer, always giving back to the community. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite local charity/nonprofit.