Russell Rutledge

Russell L. Rutledge, 82, of Oak Harbor passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at H.B. Magruder Hospital, Port Clinton. He was born on July 8, 1928 in Pioneer, OH to Roy and Ethel Long Rutledge. On September 30, 1951 in Kendallville, IN he married Sally Ann Russell, and she preceded him in death on September 16, 2009. Russ served in the U.S. Army from 1948-1950. He worked for AP for 12 years, Rutledge Market for 2 years, Bassetts IGA for 30 years, Robinson-Walker Funeral Home for 14 years, and as the building manager for the Oak Harbor United Methodist Church for many years. Russ was a member of the Oak Harbor United Methodist Church. He served as president of the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce the year the Oak Harbor Apple Festival originated in which he played an active role in helping plan and organize. Russ loved to golf and was an avid Indians, Browns, and Buckeyes fan. Above all, Russ was a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather who treasured time spent with his family. Russ is survived by his loving children, who all reside in Oak Harbor: Rex Rutledge, Michelle Marty Beier, Kevin Michelle Rutledge, and Jolynn Pete Benner; 9 grandchildren: Whitney Rutledge, Jamie Grant, Mick Beier, Kyle Rutledge, Clark Rutledge, Chad Benner, Curt Benner, Mitch Benner, and Lauren Benner; 4 great grandchildren: Grace Jacob Benner, Kaleb Grant, and Shelby Beier; brother: Bob Rutledge; sister: Doris; and special friend: Nancy Blair. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, great granddaughter: Mary Beier, and 9 siblings. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 20, 2010, at the Oak Harbor United Methodist Church, Oak Harbor, with interment to follow in Union Cemetery, Oak Harbor. Visitation will be Saturday evening, December 18, 2010 from 5-8 p.m. and Sunday, December 19, 2010 from 2-8 p.m. at the Robinson-Walker Funeral Home Crematory, Oak Harbor. Those wishing to give a memorial contribution may direct them to the Oak Harbor United Methodist Church, Oak Harbor. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.