Obituary of Charles Andrew Rutledge

Charles A. Rutledge, born November 27, 1948 passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his wife of 37 years, Virginia K. Rutledge on May 29, 2006. Please click on the link below to view video tribute: http://videos.lifetributes.com/?id=3700 Charles is survived by his loving wife Virginia; 2 sons, Charles A. Rutledge Jr., Matthew (Stephanie) Rutledge; 5 daughters, Virginia Rutledge Jr., Susan Rutledge, Jennifer (Stephen) Haddenham, Patricia (Keith) Roberts, Sandra (Jason) Cardona; 9 grandchildren, Ashley, Michael, and Justin Frierson, Haily Joann Rutledge Estenson, Kayla and Brianna Haddenham, Destiny Rutledge, and Alyssa and J.R. Fincham. We will always love, cherish, and remember our father and grandfather. Viewing to be held 1:30 PM Friday June 2, 2006 followed by funeral service at 2:30 PM all at Lakeview Congregational Chapel, 4606 108th St. SW, Lakewood, WA. Interment to be held at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, WA. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008. Biography Charles Andrew Rutledge was born on November 27, 1948 in Detroit, Michigan. He was the youngest of 5 children born to James Andrew Rutledge and Mildred Marie Wieneke. His sister was Patricia and his 3 bothers were Jim, Tom, and Don. Charles grew up in Alton, Illinois. He attended Alton HS and before he graduated, he enlisted in the US Navy. After serving for a short duration, he was discharged and returned home. Friends introduced him to Virginia Kay Nickle (3/1/1954) who was still in HS. They were married on 10/9/1969 in Edwardsville, Illinois. They lived in Alton and several other places in Illinois. Charles worked for the local newspaper in sales and distribution. Charles and Virginia had 7 children who were born in Illinois. Virginia “Kay” (5/15) was born in 1970. Susan (7/6) was born in 1971. Charles Jr. (8/9) was born in 1972. Jennifer (4/12) was born in 1978. Patricia (4/20) was born in 1979. Sandra (6/15) was born in 1982. Matthew (12/2) was born in 1983. It was after Kay graduated from HS in 1988, that the family moved to Tacoma, Washington. Charles worked at The News Tribune as a contractor distributing newspapers to stores and newspaper display boxes. He worked for the News Tribune for nearly 15 years. He retired in 2002 when he began having some health issues. During the past several years, Virginia has been working part-time at Pioneer Place on the weekends. The family made a number of day trips to local parks, ocean beaches, mountains, and to the wild animal farm in Sequim, Washington. There were many family gatherings for special days and holidays. He enjoyed the arrival of his grandchildren. His first grandchild, Ashley Frierson, was born (7/13) in 1994. Alyssa Fincham was born 7/8/1995. Russell Fincham was born 8/31/1997. Michael and Justin Frierson were born on 5/6/1998. Haily Esteson was born 12/15/1999. Kayla Haddenham was born 9/1/2000. Brianna Haddenham was born 12/29/2003. The youngest of the 9 grandchildren is Destiny Rutledge who was born (4/11) in 2004. His family was the center of his life. He encouraged each of the children to work hard and do the best that they could. He loved having the grandchildren and their energy and activity when they were with him. During the past several years, Charles had several health problems. In the past year, he was diagnosed as having leukemia and was on dialysis and strong medication. During the past month, hospice care assisted the family in caring for him at home. On Sunday, Charles took a turn for the worse and passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, May 29, 2006. During the past year, Charles enjoyed the companionship of his two Chihuahua dogs named Pepper and Princess. They brought a lot of joy into his home, his family, and his life. He will be loved and remembered always by Virginia his beloved wife of 37 years; his 7 children “Kay”, Susan, Charles Jr., Jennifer, Patricia, Sandra, “Matt”. and his 9 grandchildren; Ashley, Michael and Justin, Kayla, Brianna, Haily, Alyssa, Russell, Destiny his sister and brother, his nephews and nieces, other relatives, friends and neighbors