Judith Mary Rutledge
October 11, 2013
Judith Mary Rutledge, 72, passed away on October 11, 2013 after a short battle with cancer. Services will be held on Monday, October 14, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, 3829 Grand Avenue in Des Moines, IA.
Judith was born on October 27, 1940 in St. Louis, MO to Ruth (Springer) and Harold Timmerberg. After graduating from high school, Judith married and raised her family. In 1980 she returned to college and graduated from Drake University. She pursued a career as a lobbyist for various organizations and retired from Planned Parenthood of the Heartland as the Executive Director of Governmental Affairs. In her retirement, Judith enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with her friends and family.
She is survived by her daughters, Debbie (Dave) Ladehoff, Wendy Rutledge Uhrin, Kerrie (Bruce) Murphy, Connie (Chris) Then, and Mary Kay Rutledge; grandchildren, Branden and Lauren Plummer, Luke and Courtney Murphy, Katherine, Jacob and Rachel Uhrin, Josh and Nathan Ladehoff, and Katelyn Rutledge.; and her sister, Jeanne Dependahl.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, Unity Point Hospice, or to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Ruth and Jay Lawrence
10/14/2013
Dear Wendy and Rutledge Family:
Your Mother was such an accomplished person and so caring of others. Please know we have you in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Ruth and Jay
Dolores Baker
10/14/2013
My condolences to Ms. Rutledge family. A life, well lived, is filled with precious memories. May these bring smiles to your hearts and ease your sorrow. "For there exists hope even for a tree. If it is cut down, it will sprout again. And its twigs will continue to grow." (Job 14:7) May the resurrection hope also comfort you.
Janet Goldsmith
10/12/2013
My deepest sympathy to your family and friends, Judy. Your light has guided many and made a lot of positive changes in Iowa and this world. Iowa would not have a seatbelt law without Judy's hard work with the the Legislature and supporters of safety on Iowa's roads. May God hold you in His hands.
Russ and Mary Marshall
10/12/2013
We extend our sympathy to your family. We enjoyed having her as a neighbor when she lived on 19th Street and were sorry to see her leave the neighborhood. She was a great neighbor.
Rep. Mark Smith
10/12/2013
Judy was a great person and a wonderful friend. She also was an exceptional lobbyist, who was passionate about the issues she cared about. Sincere sympathy to her family who I know will miss her.
Judy Then
10/12/2013
My condolences to you Connie and your family. Losing someone close to you is so hard but time will heal. I'm so glad you were able to be with your mom. You have been through a lot this past year or so. I will continue to keep you and Chris in my prayers.
Betty Soener
10/12/2013
Dear Judy, how you will be missed. You and I had a very special relationship and I am thankful for having you as a "friend" in my life. My thoughts and prayers are of you and your beautiful family.
Tom and Joyce McMullen
10/12/2013
Our deepest sympathy, Connie, and your entire family in the loss of your mother. We know that losing your mother is never easy but, you must have a great since of satisfaction in knowing that you and your sisters were there for your mother in her time of need. God Bless you all!!
Noel Barrett
10/12/2013
My sympathy to all of Judy's children and grandchildren, to Jeanne and to all Judy's friends. Judy was my cousin and I have great memories of playing together as children. I will miss her.
Sharon Johnson
10/12/2013
I want to offer my condolences to the family and friends at this time. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things to overcome. The God of the Bible Jehovah does not want anyone to experience the pain, sorrow and mourning your family is going through. That is why one day he will do away with death, and families will be reunited. Rev 21:3-4. Prayers of support, comfort and endurance are being said for the entire family.
Debbie Gitchell
10/12/2013
My condolences to you all. I so enjoyed working with Judy at Planned Parenthood. She was a guiding light for always doing what was the right thing to do. May her memory be for a blessing.
Debbie Gitchell
N
Mona Bond
10/12/2013
Judy gave me more than I could return to her. Her inspiration and positive attitude gave me hope and courage. We make choices and we choose our friends. Judy was special. We had good times together and our "band of sisters" know we will see you on the other side. Thank you for being in my life here and in heaven.
Susan Judkins
10/12/2013
Judy, everyone whose lives you touched grew from the experience. Your passions for issues and learning about the world will live on in your inspiration to others. But my how you will be missed. Condolences to your family...thanks for sharing such a special person with us.
Diane Kolmer
10/12/2013
You could smile and laugh during some of the worst fights at the Capitol. I learned much from you as we worked during the legislative session. I miss all the laughs we shared. God speed, Judy!
Sandra E. Suarez
10/11/2013
Arms about you dear friend. What a beautiful graceful spirited woman you were. I feel so fortunate to have had you as a friend and mentor and truly a gift to have had you in my life. Already miss your infectious smile. Never forgotten JR. Much love to you and your dearest family.