Obituary of Richard Ray Rutledge

9 - 11 a.m. prior to service Masonic Center Richard Ray Rutledge November 12, 1934 - January 20, 2007 Richard Ray Rutledge, 72, of Olympia, died in his home after a courageous five-year battle with prostate cancer. He was born on November 12, 1934 in Olympia to Ray and Vera Rutledge. He grew up in the Mima Mound area and graduated from Rochester High School. After graduation, he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954 to 1956 and was stationed at Mt. Fuji in Japan for a year. In 1959, he was hired at the Olympia Brewery Company, and he retired in 1992. He was a very hard worker and continued that attribute as a farmer. It started with cattle. After that, he began to plant the seed of his passion, "Rutledge Farm". He was the king of "Bodacious" for 18 years, producing the sweetest corn in the area and taking it to the Olympia Farmers Market and local grocery stores. Because of his community involvement, he realized the need for more family entertainment, and so he began the Rutledge Corn Maze. He also enjoyed hunting, traveling, golfing, and fishing with friends and family. He became a Crime Victim's Advocate after the homicide death of his youngest daughter, Kristi. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 34 years, Linda Rutledge; sister, Gail; children, Richard Jr., Michael, Gary, Lisa, Kimberly, and Shawn, who will all miss him greatly. He was very proud to be a grandfather to 16 grandchildren and two great- grandchildren, and he also had many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Vera Rutledge, twin brother, Leonard, and daughter, Kristi. He was a very kind and generous man without judgment and lived life to the fullest. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m., on Sunday, January 28, 2007, at the Masonic Center, 521 North Street S.E., Tumwater. A celebration of life and potluck will follow the service. A special thank you goes to Glenn Burke and Jan Wagley for their unconditional support and care during the family's time of need. And, a very special thank you goes to the community for growing with Rutledge Farm throughout the years.