Mary Jane Rutledge

Mary Jane Rutledge, 96, of Mason City, Illinois died on September 8, 2017 at Mason City Area Nursing Home. She was born near Mason City, August 1, 1921 to John Howard and Julia (Cargill) Stone. She graduated from Mason City High School in 1939 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from the University of Illinois in 1943. She married Harvey King Rutledge on November 24, 1943. A lifetime member of the United Presbyterian Church of Mason City, Jane actively served as elder, deacon, Sunday School teacher, Women’s Fellowship officer, Memorial Fund secretary, and chairman of funeral dinners. She volunteered her services during and following construction of the Mason City Area Nursing Home, was bestowed the honor of Farm Bureau Farm Wife of the Year (1980), and served as election judge, 4-H leader, substitute school teacher, and Home Bureau-HEA member. As a farmer’s daughter and a farm wife, she helped with delivering dairy products, caring for baby pigs and other livestock, hauling grain, and providing room and board for farm hands. Jane enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada, sewing for her large family, playing pinochle with friends, hunting for Indian artifacts, and serving coffee at her kitchen table. She enjoyed an enduring lifetime friendship with the 4-H House Class of 1943, University of Illinois. Jane was a much-loved wife and mother. She and her husband are the parents of John (Nancy) Rutledge of Wheaton; Jeanne (Terry) Wunderle of Mason City; Randy (Mary) Rutledge of Hillsdale; Tom (Elaine) Rutledge of Geneseo; and Gaye (John) Maxson of Mason City. Grandchildren include Edward Rutledge, Dawn Wunderle Stultz, Victor Wunderle, Sally Wunderle Seipp, Julie Rutledge Williams, Justin Rutledge, Sara Rutledge Wirth, David Rutledge, Mary Maxson Day, Marcia Maxson Schwartz, Dale Maxson, and Daniel Maxson. Great-grandchildren, step great-grandchildren, and a great-great grandchildren include Bunny and Ellie Rutledge; Levi, Andrew and Jesse Stultz; Ryan and Jared Seipp; Josiah and Justin Williams; Samantha Engel, Ella Begly, and Adeline Engel; Jonathan Grotzinger; Mitchell, Annie and Kyle Wirth; Alice and Tess Rutledge; Emily, Ainsley and Elissa Day; and Benjamin, Lucas and Teddy Maxson. Preceding her in death were her husband Harvey in 2006, sister Shirley Stone Rutledge and brother Richard C. Stone. Funeral services for Mrs. Rutledge will be held at her church on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 10 a.m. with Pastor Charlotte Poetschner officiating. Visitation will be held at Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City on Tuesday, September 19, 2017 from 5 to 7 p.m. Burial will be at Mason City Cemetery following the services. Memorial donations may be made to her church or Mason City Area Nursing Home. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City is in charge of arrangements.