By Saul Cooke-Black

TRIBUTES have been paid to a stalwart of the Stroud community who has passed away.

Maureen Rutter, who worked as a county councillor for nearly 30 years, died on Saturday having suffered a stroke a few weeks previously.

Former Stroud MP David Drew said: "'I have known Mo for over 30 years, served as a councillor with her and been involved with many campaigns over the years.

"She was a stalwart of the Labour Party and will always be remembered for the work she did.

"She was a real friend and someone I drew enormous inspiration from.

"More than anything I can say so many will miss her care for others particularly the vulnerable, and her driving belief for the need to support and protect children.

"She was one of Stroud's giants and will be commemorated as such.

"She will be missed terribly."

Maureen joined the County Council in 1981, representing the representing the Cainscross and Rodborough areas of Stroud for 27 years, whilst also serving as Leader of the Labour group.

Last year, she received an Award of Merit in recognition of her long and dedicated service to the Labour Party at Gloucestershire County Council.

She had suffered two strokes in September while in Cornwall and had since been a patient at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro where she died.

Paying tribute on Facebook, close friend Carole Oosthuysen said: "Mo was exceptional and at 90 her enthusiasm for friends, singing, art, eating, laughing, socialism, her family, her garden was undiminished.

"She was simply unforgettable and whilst I, like everyone who knew her, will feel terribly sad at not seeing her again, I am relieved she is no longer suffering in the sense of not being able to enjoy life.

"She has always been so full of life and love.

"She was exuberant and she would become angry at injustice, poverty, abuse of any kind.

"What a loss."