She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Rutledge, who passed away July 2, 2018, and her sister, Diane Valdez.
Susan was born in San Jose, California, on March 15, 1948, the daughter of James and Margaret Moots. In her early years, she lived in the Napa wine country and, as a teenager, worked at several wineries.
She had the privilege of serving both John Wayne and Clint Eastwood at the businesses where she worked.
In 1972, she married Louis Rutledge. For the next 22 years, she and Lou traveled as part of Lou’s military career in the U.S. Air Force.
In 1992, the Rutledges retired in Yelm, Washington, where Sue worked for a catering company. She was an accomplished cook and was always ready to host great dinners for friends and neighbors.
She was also a talented artist, working with both leaded glass and floral decorations.
When she entered a room, it was her smile that touched everyone.
She touched us all with her nurturing and caring words, bringing out the positive in those around her.
We all will miss her, but heaven now has a new artist for special events.
A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, at Yelm United Methodist Church, 408 Second St. SE, Yelm, Washington 98597, followed by a buffet lunch reception at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Sue’s memory may be made to Yelm United Methodist Church.
