Robert Rutledge

Robert Wiley Rutledge

GREAT FALLS —Robert Wiley Rutledge passed away suddenly at the age of 64 on November 10, 2015 in Great Falls.

Per his request, no services are being planned. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Schnider Funeral Home.

Robert was born in Santa Ana, California on April 25, 1951 to Verne and Ida Rutledge. He grew up in Walnut Creek, CA where he played football, baseball, marched in the band, and was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Los Lomas High School in 1969. Following graduation, he moved to Montana to pursue his baseball career with the University of MT Grizzlies, while at U of M he met and eventually married his best friend, Susan Tulberg of Bainville, Montana in 1972. After graduating with a teaching degree in 1973, he lived and worked in a number of different communities: Deer Lodge, Ekalaka, Roy, Opheim, and Fairfield. He taught a number of different classes including history and Health/PE and coached many different sports, especially football. Suffering from polycystic kidney disease, Robert was granted a second chance at life after receiving a kidney transplant in 1991. Taking full advantage of that life-giving opportunity, in 1992, he earned his Master's Degree in school counseling from Northern MT College and took a position as a guidance counselor at Fergus High School in Lewistown, where he was working at the time of his passing.

He loved being involved with activities at the school and supporting the students. He was also an active member of New Life Assembly of God Church and a member of the Gideon's. His life was a beautiful example of how Jesus wants us to live. He had high standards and stuck by his beliefs.

While his career was important, nothing meant more to him than family. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa. He enjoyed spending his time with them telling stories, hunting, fishing, camping, taking drives, and working on cars. He had a way of adding fun and happiness wherever he was. He truly enjoyed life.

Robert leaves behind two brothers; one sister; his wife, Susan of 43 years; three children, Jennifer (Eric) of Missoula, Joshua (Denise) of Great Falls, and Melissa of Lewistown, two grandchildren, Evan and Hannah; and his little dog and best buddy, Reilly.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com.