Donna Lou Rutledge

Eckersell Funeral Home 101 W. Main Rigby, Idaho 83442 208-745-6604 photo with e-mail family tribute On October 22, 2005, our beloved mother, wife and dear friend, Donna Lou Rutledge lost her courageous battle with cancer surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Virgil G. Rutledge and children, Monty (Chris) Rutledge of Rigby, Lana (Jay) Hill of Twin Falls, JoAnn (Kent) Clark of Menan, Kathy (Bill) Paul of Pocatello and Cory (Tammy) Rutledge of Rigby; a brother, Lorin M. Gold of Rexburg, fifteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and numerous life long friends. Donna was born May 20, 1928 in Burton, Idaho the daughter of Louis L. and Bertha Gold. She attended school at Burton Elementary and Madison High School. She married her soul mate and partner for life, Virgil G. Rutledge on April 26, 1948 in Burton, Idaho. They made their home in Annis where they farmed and raised livestock. Donna raised a huge garden that fed the family in the winter months. She had many jobs including area potato warehouses, Rushton’s Meat Packing, seventeen years managing and operating the Rexburg Livestock Auction Café and the lunch program for School District 251. She worked side by side with her husband on the farm doing any job that needed doing. Her hobbies and interests include sewing, quilting and making crafts. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed having family and friends in her home to share good times. Her door was always open to those in need and many extended family called the house at the end of the road, home. In later years they enjoyed a second home in Yuma, Arizona where they made many new “old” friends there. She participated in making quilts and buying gifts for needy families in Algodones, Mexico. They enjoyed many years of camping and traveling with friends and family including Alaska, a Caribbean Cruise and Branson, Missouri. Her friendships in the Red Hat Society and The Rolling Russets were dear to her heart. They were members of the Eagles Lodge of Idaho Falls and had many wonderful times with those dear friends. She was a member of the Rigby Presbyterian Church and was active in the Presbyterian Women’s Organization. Everyone who knew Donna loved her and she will be greatly missed and never forgotten. The family extends their thanks to Dane Dickson M.D., Dallin Gambles P.A. and their caring staff. Also to Alliance Hospice of Rexburg, especially mom’s nurse Bonnie Meyers R.N. and Christie for their loving care of mom. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, Ray Gold, sisters; Margaret Gold, Cora Dillree, Edna Dillree and Faye Gailbraith Fyfe. Services will be held Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby, Idaho. The family will meet with friends and family Monday, October 24, 2005 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday prior to services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Eckersell Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery in Annis, Idaho. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the American Cancer Society (P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718), the Alliance Hospice of Rexburg, Idaho (380 Walker Drive, Rexburg, Idaho 83440) or the Rigby Presbyterian Church.