• Willia Mae Rutledge

    19 Sep 2016




    • Born: December 6, 1927
    • Died: September 19, 2016
    • Location: Mount Ida, AR

    Willia Mae Rutledge, age 88, of Mount Ida, passed away September 19, 2016 at the Montgomery County Nursing Home. She was born December 6, 1927 to the late Ted and Maye Bates in Black Springs, AR. Willia Mae is preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert (Bob) Rutledge, son Terry Rutledge, sisters: Elsie (Bates) Hickey, Odell (Bates) Hicks, and brother James Charles Bates.

    Survivors include: son Perry Rutledge, grandchildren: Stormy Cooper (Rex), Tommy Rutledge (Jessica), Brady Rutledge and Cougar Rutledge, great-grandchildren: Corbin Cooper, Addie Cooper, Lilly Copper and Kylee Rutledge.

    Bob and Willia Mae both attended school at Norman; she graduated in 1945. Bob and Willia Mae married December 24, 1944 in Norman, AR and were married for over 63 years. After high school, Willia Mae graduated Beauty College in Santa Rosa, CA in 1949. She attended Mount Ida Assembly of God Church and Faith Tabernacle Church where she was secretary-treasurer. Willia Mae and Bob moved to Mount Ida in 1964, after living in CA for 15 years. It was then they began Bob’s Food City, which they owned and operated for over 40 years. Bob’s Food City has become a community landmark that is proudly still family owned.

    Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2016 6-8 p.m. at Thornton Funeral Home in Mount Ida. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 21, 2016, 10:00 a.m. at Black Springs Cemetery in Norman, AR. Honorary Pallbearers: Larry Hicks, Gary Bates, Clay Bates, Doug Rutledge, Larry Rutledge and Ronald Rutledge. Arrangements were made under the direction of Thornton Funeral Home of Mount Ida, AR. Guest register at www.thorntonfh.com

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  • 4 comments

    Wilma (Carr) Thomas

    19 Sep 2016

    So sorry for the family's loss. She was a beautiful lady.

    Reply

    Bonnie Boyett

    20 Sep 2016

    My thought and prayers are with the Family. May GOD BE WITH YA'LL. She is in HEAVEN now HAPPY BEING WITH BOB AND TERRY. WHAT A REUNION THAT WILL BE.

    Reply

    Sheila Sheffield

    21 Sep 2016

    I was so sad to hear about Willa Mae. I loved her so much. She was such a sweet and loving person that has meant so much to me through the years. I didn't find out in time to make it to visitation/funeral, but just know that your family is in my thoughts and prayers. While I am going to miss her greatly, I'm so happy for her because she is finally where she has longed to be for years. May you feel God's loving arms wrapped around you during this difficult time.

    Reply

    LaToya Johnson

    14 Oct 2016

    To the family and friends of Willia Rutledge, I would like to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences. I am truly sorry for the lost that your family is feeling. When ever we lose such a caring and loving person, it is the hardest experience that any of us can go thru. And because of that my thoughts and prayers are with your family. During this extremely difficult time, please turn to God for comfort and support. He promise to give your family the strength needed in order to endure this great lost. (2 Corinthians 1:3,4) Something else that can bring your family comfort,is cherishing all the wonderful memories of Mrs. Rutledge. These precious memories will console the family in the day's ahead.

    Reply