Irene Mae Rutledge

Our beloved Irene was an incredible kind, caring woman with impeccable integrity. She loved schnauzers and sunflowers. She

left us sooner than we wished but lived a full and happy life until the incredible age of 96 years. She was strong, independent

and loved her family. Reney accepted everyone for who they were.

Irene began her life on June 12, 1928, in Turlock, CA as the first daughter born to Ray and Nellie Cary. She was followed by

Hazel, Ralph, Esther, and little Roy. Their family lived in the Modesto and Sacramento areas of California. They spent a

humble life together during tough times. Their family was close in those early years that remained throughout their lives.

Irene moved out on her own in her early 20s, moving in with her best friend and got a job as a telephone operator. She met

Ivan, the tall, dark, handsome man in uniform who was the love of her life. They met at a dance and were inseparable for the

rest of their lives. They were married on June 2, 1950, at the courthouse. They had wedding cake at her mom’s house and had

a short honeymoon at Mount Shasta. They both loved the outdoors and spent their time hiking and fishing. Ivan was in the

Army and soon received orders to report to Germany. Ivan and Irene left for Europe and enjoyed traveling around when Ivan

had time off. Irene took the train or bus to venture out for days trips being the independent woman that she was. They

enjoyed living in Europe but missed their families and returned stateside after 5 years.

They welcomed their first child, Diana, in 1955. She was followed by David in 1956. Ivan was stationed in Germany and

waited for Irene and kids to join him. Irene followed with Diana and baby David on an ocean voyage ship to meet Ivan which

lasted over one week. Another year later in 1958, Daniel was born in Germany. Their kids define army brats and grew up all

over the US. The family was stationed in California, North Carolina, Texas, Colorado, Idaho, and Virginia. Irene was the glue

that held the family together and the anchor to ensure the family made a smooth transition.

Ivan retired and took the family to Sacramento. Irene and Ivan took care of Irene’s ailing father, Ray Cary. After Ray passed,

Ivan and Irene moved the family to Portales, New Mexico. Irene had a big challenge with relocating to a 40-acre ranch and

getting three kids settled into a small town. They lived there for about 10 years while their kids graduated from high school.

When the kids moved on, so did Ivan and Irene. Their next adventure took them to Roswell, New Mexico. Irene invited her

aging mother, Nellie, to move in with them. They next moved to Dewey, Arizona for a few years. Ivan and Irene enjoyed

traveling until they ventured into Roseburg, Oregon. Irene quickly fell in love with Roseburg as the climate was perfect for her

flower garden and berries were freshly available in the area. Irene lived there for 25 years. Irene lost her beloved husband,

Ivan, in 1998. Irene was devastated by his loss, but she was able to get back on her feet. Daniel remained in Roseburg and

looked out for her. She went on to travel to visit her sisters, Hazel and Esther, and they took many trips together to visit

family. Irene loved being a grandmother and visiting her grandchildren. One of her favorite memories was a cruise taken with

her sisters, nephews and nieces.

After the loss of her son, Daniel, she left Roseburg in 2021 and moved to Arizona to live with her daughter, Diana. Irene spent

the last four years enjoying the sunshine and her family. She had many visitors as she was deeply loved. She will be greatly

missed. Irene was preceded in death by her son, Dan; her husband, Ivan; her sister, Hazel Welch; her brother, Ralph Cary; her

little brother, Roy; her parents, Ray and Nellie Cary; her beloved grandmother, Minnie. Reney leaves behind her sister, Esther;

children Diana (Monte); David (Dee); grandchildren Laura Lynsee (Lance); Laycee; Jason (Callie); Jared; Chad (Liesa); Eli,

Kelsey (Chaz); 11 great grandchildren: and 2 great great grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.