Mary Jennings Rutledge, 85, of Huntsville, AL, passed away on October 19, 2022. She was born to parents James Loton Jennings and Gladys Wright Jennings on April 20, 1937, in Fayetteville, TN.
She graduated from Central High School in 1955 and attended The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, later completing her bachelor’s degree at Athens State University.
Mary worked for NASA in Huntsville, AL, where she met her future husband, Bill Rutledge. Mary and Bill were married on August 11, 1962.
Mary’s joy in life were spending time with friends and family. She was an avid traveler, excellent cook and loved gardening and flowers. She was a member of First United Methodist Church, as being of service to the church community gave her great fulfillment over her lifetime. Her passion of service to others included memberships and volunteering through numerous organizations such as the Historic Huntsville Foundation, Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild, Carillon Club, Greenwyche Garden Club, and The Study Circle.
Mary is survived by her son, Ed (Natalie) Rutledge; daughter, Jan Rutledge; sister, Jane (John T.) Cunningham; cousin, John (Julie) Jennings; grandsons, William Gordon Rutledge and John Harris Rutledge; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Saunders Rutledge, and sister, Edna Jennings Goodin.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 23, 2022, from 4 – 6 pm at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Monday, October 24, 2022, at 12:00 pm at First United Methodist Church, 120 Greene Street, with Rev. Coy Hallmark officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to First United Methodist Church of Huntsville, AL, or the charity of your choice.
