Suzanne Kelley Rutledge

Retired educator Suzanne Kelley Rutledge, 71, of Iuka, MS, died Saturday, February 28, 2015, at University of Alabama Birmingham Hospital after a short illness. Mrs. Rutledge taught English, mathematics and history at Iuka Middle School for a number of years. She was beloved by her students for taking a personal interest in each of them and for spending extra time tutoring those who might lag behind. Her teaching career began on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in White River, AZ, and continued in the Okolona, MS school system before the Rutledges moved to Iuka. Mrs. Rutledge was an active member of the Iuka United Methodist Church where she currently served as teacher of the Lucy Thompson Ladies’ Sunday School Class and president of the United Methodist Women. For several years she served as chairman of the Council on Ministries for IUMC. In addition Suzanne played in the Handbell Choir of her church. She has been chairman of the “Memorial Luncheon” committee for several years. Literacy was very important to Mrs. Rutledge as evidenced by her serving on the Board of Directors of the Iuka Library. She attended Friends of Iuka Library monthly meetings regularly and helped with special events at the library including the children’s Christmas party and the annual book/rummage sale. Suzanne spent many hours organizing the donated books and other items to make the sale a success. Born on December 25, 1943, Suzanne graduated from Camden High School in Camden, AL, and Auburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. She was a majorette for the Auburn University Marching Band. Suzanne later served as a consultant for her sorority on a national level, guiding many university chapters to success. Visitation is scheduled for 4:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, at Cutshall Funeral Home in Iuka. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, at the Iuka United Methodist Church, officiated by Reverend Kerry Powell. Interment will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Iuka. Pallbearers include Donnie Brown, Cliff Daniel, Neil Davis, Robby Grisham, Bill Harrington, Gene Jourdan, Steve Nelson, and Jeff Butler. Honorary pallbearers include the Monday Night Bridge Club, the 9:35 Men’s Coffee Club, and the Men’s Sunday School Class at Iuka United Methodist Church. Cutshall Funeral Home of Iuka, MS is entrusted with arrangements. On November 25, 1967, Suzanne married her college sweetheart, William E. “Bill” Rutledge, who survives her. In addition, she leaves a son, William Brant Rutledge and wife, Leigh Anne, of Florence, AL, and a daughter, Kelley Rutledge Norris and husband, Matthew, of Augusta, GA. Her six grandchildren were her greatest joy. They include Anne Houston, MaryEllen and Scarlett Rutledge, along with Will, Kate, and Claire Norris. Her sister Kay Pruitt (Bill) and nephew, Billy, of Tampa, FL survive her as well. Memorials may be made to the Iuka Library, 204 N. Main, Iuka, MS 38852, the Iuka Methodist Church, 101 E. Eastport St., Iuka, MS 38852, or the charity of the donor’s choice.