Barbara Jean Rutledge

The sun rose for Barbara J. Rutledge (affectionately known as “Jean”) on October 10, 1941 in Middletown, Ohio to the joy of the late John Wilson Roberts and the late Alice Gates Roberts. The sun set on Friday September 3, 2021 at the Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio, where she was surrounded by loved ones. Barbara was educated in the Middletown Schools and employed for many years at General Motors plants in Dayton, including Delco and Inland Production. She dedicated her life to the serving her community and was honored with a key to the City of Middletown, Ohio for her exceptional community service. Barbara faithfully supported and held leadership positions in multiple organizations, including: The Deborah Chapter #19 of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES, PHA) as Past Matron and Past Grand Deputy of 5th District; the AMER Court #65 of the Daughters as Past Commandress and Past Imperial Deputy for the Oasis of Dayton; the Miami Assembly #22 of the Order of the Golden Circle as Past Loyal Lady Ruler; member of the Burning Bush Court #3 of the Heroines of Jericho; and a member in the 20th Century Grandmothers Club, the Whist Club, and the Triopoly Group. In addition to her community service, Barbara was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for many years, serving as an Usher and volunteering on many boards. Following her fellowship at Shiloh, she joined Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. Barbara never met a stranger. She will always be remembered for treating everyone she met with kindness, and she will especially be remembered for the delicious meals that she prepared with love. She embraced modern technology and with her iPad enjoyed using FaceTime to keep in touch with her distant family members. Through her devoted daughters, she travelled extensively, visiting them in Europe and all throughout the United States. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; brother Richard Roberts; three sisters Rebecca Mahone, Winifred Calhoun, and Evelyn Wilhight; grandson Mark D. Ross Jr.; and her dear friend and companion Douglas D. Garth (“DK”). Barbara was unexpectedly joined by her devoted and loving daughter Joanne Rutledge in the eternal home. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son Terry Rutledge; devoted daughter Belinda Brown (Gregory); grandchildren Terri Bivens (Anthony), James Jones, Alexis Brown, Jasmine Brown, Michaelle Dewberry, Terriyona and Terry Rutledge Jr.; brother Charles Roberts (Belle); sisters, Gwendolyn Adams Kyles, Marilyn Hill, and Sytharae Thomas (Joseph); six great-grandchildren; dear friends Joanne Thomas and Sue Davis; and a host of other relatives and friends. Barbara (Jean) will be greatly missed.

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