Geraldine "Gerry" Elnora (Williams) Rutledge

Geraldine Elnora Rutledge-February 23, 1938 – June 8, 2020

The family of Geraldine Elnora Rutledge, 82, of North Branch, is rejoicing in her life. She passed away peacefully at home on June 8, 2020.

Gerry’s family was her No. 1 priority. She was married to Jack Rutledge for 58 years, and they had six children: Deanna (Dave) Brusie, of North Branch; Shonda (Jim) Skelton, of Woodstock, Illinois; Kendra (Joe) DeMay, of Lake in the Hills, Illinois; Sandy (Trisha) Rutledge , of St. Clair; Jack D. Rutledge, of North Branch and Sheryl (Tim) Bruman, of North Branch; along with 23 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, who all lovingly called her Grandma Rut.

Gerry is the daughter of Ira and Ethel (Rolfe) Williams and grew up in Standish, Michigan. Her husband, Jack, her parents and siblings, Betty Routh, Frank Williams and Herb Williams, preceded her in death. She is survived by her three sisters-in-law, Mary Lee Williams, Edith Williams and Sandy Lake, and many nieces and nephews.

Gerry came to North Branch in1956 and taught school to students K-8th grade in the one-room schoolhouse located on Johnson Mill Road. She could always be found supporting her children and grandchildren at sporting, dance and band events. She had a love of flowers and gardening. She worked as a florist in North Branch and Brown City for many years and also worked at Peet’s Photography Studio. Gerry was very creative, which made her a fun and wonderful Girl Scout leader and Sunday School  teacher. She celebrated her 54-year membership at the North Branch First United Methodist Church. Gerry faithfully served her Lord and loved being a wedding coordinator, as well as a part of the Women’s Society and Mission Committee. Gerry was a 39-year member of the North Branch Garden Club, volunteered on the 4th of July Committee, gave tours at the Orr Museum and worked many hours at the Emergency Aid/Thrift Shop.  Gerry instilled in her family the importance of passing on your talents to others by volunteering and believed that our small town of North Branch could be a great town if everyone participated.

Gerry’s family held  a private celebration of her life and burial at the Maple Grove Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to the North Branch First United Methodist Church, Maple Grove Cemetery, North Branch Emergency Aid or the United Hospice of Marlette. Cards of sympathy for the family may be sent to The Rutledge Family, PO Box 6, North Branch, MI, 48461 The Rutledge family thanks all of their friends and family for their love, prayers and support in memory of their kind and loving mother.

“The master said,  “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.

Share your master’s joy!”  Matthew 25:23

First United Methodist Church, PO Box 156, North Branch, MI, 48461

Maple Grove Cemetery, PO Box 153, North Branch, MI, 48461

North Branch Emergency Aid, PO Box 309, North Branch, MI, 48461

United Hospice of Marlette, PO Box 307, Marlette, MI, 48453

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