Jerald O. Rutledge

Jerald Oliver Rutledge, 86, of Hatch New Mexico passed away on June 17, 2013. He was born July 23, 1926 in Pettus, Texas to Andy D. Rutledge Sr., and Maggie Rutledge. He was a beloved member of his family and his community in the Hatch Valley. After the loss of his wife of 53 years, Wilma Jean (Snowder) Rutledge, he was married to Lillian Loretha (Snowder) Rutledge on February 1, 2002. He is survived by his wife Lillian L. Rutledge, and is also survived by his brother A.D. Rutledge, his sister Jane (Rutledge) Liberty and brother Gene Garret Rutledge as well as many nieces, nephews and loved ones. He was in the US Military in the 1940's as a corporal in the 87 Airdrome in Guam. He served as a M-1 Sharpshooter. During his service he received many medals including the WWII Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, and a Medal for Good Conduct. Jerald was proud to be a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He was the first Fire Chief for the Village of Hatch and continued service for more than 32 years. He was also employed at Robert Porter Lumber Company in Hatch New Mexico, and was a respected farmer in the Hatch Valley. In later years he served as the Superintendent of the Sunday -School at the Hatch Assembly of God Church. He was preceded in death by his first wife Wilma Jean Rutledge, brother Milton Rutledge, his sister Dorothy Rutledge, and his parents Andy and Maggie Rutledge. A visitation will be held from 10:00 - 10:45 am on Saturday June 22, 2013 at the Garfield Pentecostal Holiness Church in Garfield, NM followed by a funeral service at 10:45 am. Burial will be at The Garden of Memories Cemetery in Hatch, with Chris Watkins officiating. A reception will follow after the graveside service back at Garfield Pentecostal fellowship hall. Serving as casket bearers will be Gene Garrett Rutledge Jr., Ronny McDowell, Harold McDowell, Gordon Cantrell, John Gardner, and Dwayne Blevins. PDF Printable Version