Mrs. Elaine Rutledge, 83, of Florence passed away May 15, 2016 at her residence. She was a member of Wood Avenue Church of Christ. She was a beloved third grade teacher for over 30 years. She was known as the teacher who integrated music into subjects she taught. Her students loved being in her class and she never forgot them, even in her later years. She also loved following the Alabama Crimson Tide as an ever faithful fan. She was devoted to her husband and stood by his side until he passed away two years ago. She loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to her face. Her best friends Pat Clanton and Pat Sharp were always there for her and she loved every minute they were together.
Visitation will be Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Wood Avenue Church of Christ from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Brian Giselbach and Kenneth Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-eight years, Horace “Bubba” Rutledge.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Robin and Amy Rutledge; grandchildren, Chad and Haley Rutledge Morgan, Ashley and Adam Rutledge, and Chris and Betsy Rutledge Campbell; great-grandchildren, Mary Ella, Sam, and Emma Kate Morgan, Gracie and Reese Rutledge, and Owen Campbell.
Serving as pallbearers will be Donald Clanton, Tim Melson, Tony Rutledge, Ricky Robbins, Randy Whitten, David Willingham, and Jim Evans.
A special thanks to Melanie Harrison and Barbara Kirchner whose hospitality was truly a blessing. The family would also like to thank Julie Childers and Kim Gaisser, with Gentiva Hospice, who cared for her with love and compassion. This verse emulates the spirit of these ladies, “God has given each of you a gift from His great variety of spiritual gifts, use them well to serve one another.”
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mars Hill Bible School or Wood Avenue Church of Christ.
