Norma Jean Rutledge

Oct. 27, 1929-Aug. 21, 2011

Age: 81

Residence: Greeley

Norma Jean Rutledge, 81, of Greeley, died Sunday, Aug. 21, 2011, at the Life Care Center of Greeley. She was born Oct. 27, 1929, to Dwight and Mabel Dora (Finke) Chubbuck in Lincoln, Neb.

Norma was born at the start of the Great Depression. Her mother, who was a seamstress, lovingly raised Norma and her sister alone.

She grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Lincoln High School. She then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. While studying journalism she worked on the university newspaper. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. During her senior year, she was selected for membership in the Mortar Board Honor Society. After graduation she worked for a time at the Lincoln Journal as a reporter. A highlight of her career as a journalist was interviewing former First Lady Mamie Eisenhower. On Sept. 6, 1952, Norma married William A. Rutledge at the First Presbyterian Church in Lincoln. He became a dentist and practiced in Greeley from July 1953 to August 1995. He died Nov. 21, 1995.

Norma lived life with grace and humility. She selflessly raised five children with kindness and love. Her family always came first. Norma was blessed with many loyal friendships. She was gifted with many artistic talents. She enjoyed music, art, teaching quilting and cooking. Norma adored children and animals.

Norma was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church, serving on the Altar Guild. She was a member of P.E.O, Questers Antique Club, Scroll And Fan, sewing clubs, and a very special bridge club.

Norma leaves behind her five children: Barbara Ann Emerson (Scott) of Littleton, Colo.; Mary Catherine McHardy (Stuart “Chip”) of Waipawa, New Zealand; John Rutledge of Greeley; Tom Rutledge (Beverly) of Grand Junction, Colo.; and Andy Rutledge (Roxanne) of Greeley. Sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Norma was preceded by her mother, her husband, and a sister, Phyllis Hicken.

Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Stoddard Funeral Home. A Celebration Of Life will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3800 West 20th Street. Interment Linn Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, Alzheimer’s Association, or the Weld County Humane Society, all in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.