Dale Rutledge

Dale Rutledge, 76 of rural Bluford, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2015 at his home.He was born August 31, 1938 in Birch Tree, MO, son of Rueben and Ruby (Barnes) Rutledge.He is survived by his wife, Sandra Rutledge of Bluford; four daughters: Sonya Ann Rutledge of Centralia, Tracey Dale Rutledge of Bluford, Susan June Rutledge-Jukes and husband Larry of Bluford, and Jodie Leigh Rutledge-Vargas and husband Jose of Centralia; five grandchildren: Dalen Lewin of Centralia, Heath, Keegan and AnnDaleigh Rutledge-Jukes both of Bluford, Ilan Rutledge-Vargas of Centralia; one brother, Bill Ralph Rutledge of San Diego, CA; one aunt, Nettie Grace Gill of Cozad, NE; two uncles: Jack Barnes and wife Judy and Gary Barnes and wife Linda all of Birch Tree, MO; one brother-in-law, Chester Burks of Vernon, IL; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; special friends and caregivers: Charlene Phillips, Marie Hixenbaugh, Rebecca Bierman and Ranayie Useman.He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister: Deloris Burks, three brothers: Melvin, Kenneth and Gerry Rutledge, and one granddaughter, Joselyn Rutledge-Vargas.Dale served two years in the United States Air Force, stationed in Mildenhall, England. He worked in the timber industry for several years and then worked for 30 years for the City of Centralia in the Street Department until his retirement. He was a member of the Operating Engineers Local 553 of which he served as president and business manager.In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling for the Dad’s Club of Field School, where his children attended. He was involved in their swimming events of which they swam for the Centralia Seals for many years. He was blessed to also see his grandchildren swim. After retirement he kept busy for 20 years with his farm, he enjoyed raising his cattle, which he called “his girls” and loved making hay. Most of all he started going on Medical Missions with his wife, and felt this was his calling to serve and give back. He made so many friends with the team members and interacting with care of the people from Honduras, which was his second home.In his last year of declining health, he was faithfully attended by his family and caregivers. Most importantly to him, he was blessed with members of the New Home General Baptist Church, who came by faithfully to visit, sing hymns, read scriptures and pray with him.A Celebration of Life Service for Dale Rutledge will be held Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Fred Estheimer, Pastor Harry Thomason, and Pastor Val Powe officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home Saturday evening. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jacksonville School for the Blind or to the Wounded Warriors and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, which is in charge of local arrangements. Funeral Services will be held at the Pioneer Baptist Church in Birch Tree, MO on Monday, June 15, 2015 at 10:00 AM and Burial will follow at Oak Forrest Cemetery in Birch Tree, MO. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Dale Rutledge

August 31, 1938 - June 7, 2015