Florence Rutledge, longtime Merritt Island resident, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 10, 2023, one-month shy of her 89th birthday. Florence was born in Macon, Georgia on May 18, 1934, but grew up in Cincinnati. She attended Miami of Ohio for a short time before leaving to get married in 1954.
Florence, or Smurf, as she is affectionately known to her family, spent her lifetime serving others and being the hands and feet of Jesus. As a special needs teacher for over 25 years, she tirelessly loved on and invested in her students while raising her own family. Florence is known for her “goody bag” ministry. Simple brown bags filled with cookies, candy, soda, an invitation card to church, and a bible verse were freely given to her yard crew, delivery drivers, trash pickup, pest control or whoever else crossed her path. Her impact with such a small act of kindness was immeasurable. Florence loved and lived for her husband Nelson of 68 years before his passing in 2022, her kids, grandkids, and great-grandchildren.
Florence is pre-deceased by her husband Nelson. She is survived by her three children, Jay Rutledge (Pam 1956-2021), Mona Becker (Don), and John Rutledge (Ruby); her eight grandchildren, Ryan Reeves (Max), Matt Rutledge (Nicole), Katie Owens (Jake), Jackie Johnson (Robby), Jay Becker (Rachel), Julie Becker, Tyler Rutledge (Kiri), Nelson Rutledge (Tori) and her 16 great-grandchildren; Maggie, Evie, and Max Reeves, Marlowe, Adleigh, Hensley, and Decklyn Rutledge, Luke, Lani, and Finley Owens, Sadie, Tripp, and Wade Johnson, Layna, Riggen, and Campbell Becker, and baby #17 to arrive in September to Tyler and Kiri Rutledge.
A celebration of life will take place at 10:00 am on Friday, April 14th in the Worship Center at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island (140 Magnolia Ave).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Florence to Samaritans Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607 or Health First Hospice, 1131 W. New Haven Avenue, Suite 102, West Melbourne, FL 32904.
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