The 77-year-old Cromwell woman died on June 12, nine days before the Vincent area St John awards function in Alexandra, at which she would have been presented with a gold bar, ribbon and certificate, marking her 32 years of service.
St John Central Otago operations manager Peter Grayland spoke at Mrs Sutton's funeral in Lowburn and the award and certificate were placed on her coffin.
The deputy chairwoman of the St John southern region trust board, Pauline Beattie, said Mrs Sutton had made a valuable contribution to the organisation.
Much of her volunteer work had been done in Southland, but Mrs Sutton continued her involvement when she and her husband, Joe, moved to Cromwell eight years ago.
"She was a real stalwart of St John," Mrs Beattie said.
Mrs Sutton was made an officer of the order in 2002.
Speaking at the Vincent area awards function in Alexandra on Sunday, Mrs Beattie said she appreciated the efforts of the 21 people being honoured for their service to St John.
Linda Stephens, of Alexandra, received a 32 years' service award and Ross Hansen, of Cromwell, was honoured for 22 years in the organisation.
Other awards. - 17 years' service, Vicky Topping, of Cromwell; 12 years, Wayne Harper and Sandra Skinner, of Alexandra; nine years, Matthew Brenssell, Rae-Ellen Beck, Stephen Patrick, Alan Buxton and Ian Rietveld, all of Alexandra; six years, Kerry Finch, of Omakau, Lester Toms, of Alexandra and Shannon Clarke, of Cromwell; three years, Josephine Cranston, of Cromwell, Ann Mills, Grant Milne, Kim Matheson and Rosie Whiting, all of Alexandra; 200 hours' community service, Sam Toms and Jordan McGregor, of Alexandra; 100 hours' community service: Heidi Little, of Alexandra.
This week is St John's annual appeal week.
Activities in the Vincent area during the week will include displays and a street appeal in Alexandra and Cromwell.
