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Eva RUTLAND Obituary
RUTLAND, Eva Elsie
Author Eva Elsie Rutland died Tuesday morning, March 13, 2012, in her son's home in Sacramento surrounded by family. Born Eva Neal in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1917, she was the granddaughter of slaves and the daughter of a pharmacist, Dr. Samuel Neal and school teacher, Eva Westmoreland Neal. Mrs. Rutland moved to Sacramento with her husband Bill and their four children in 1952. She had already embarked on her writing career by that time and had several articles published in Redbook Magazine, The Lady's Home Journal and Woman's Day.
In 1964, The Trouble with Being A Mama, her popular memoir, was published. It recounted the trials and tribulations of a middle class black women raised in comfortable circumstances in the segregated south who was suddenly confronted with the frightening prospect of raising her own children in newly integrating California. The book was out of print when the Rutland family republished it in 2005, under a new title, 'When We Were Colored, a Mother's Story.'
Mrs. Rutland went blind in her early 50s and that's when her writing career took off. Using a computer equipped with a voice synthesizer she wrote some two dozen or so Harlequin Romance novels. In 2000 her mainstream novel, 'No Crystal Stair,' was published. It is a semi-autobiographical, saga of a black family from World War II, the turbulent civil rights era, the black power movement through modern times.
Mrs. Rutland's husband, Bill Rutland was a former Sacramento City School Board member and Deputy Director at McClellan Air Force Base He died in 2005. Mrs. Rutland leaves four children, Elsie, William Jr., Patty-Jo and Ginger, five grandchildren, William Rutland III, John Hooper, Cedric Rutland, Eva Fields, Chelsea and Alex Carbaugh Rutland, two step-granddaughters, LaRita Brown and Teresa Svilich, god-daughter Karoyle Colbert, and seven great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Mrs. Rutland will be held Tuesday, March 20th at 10:00 AM at the Pioneer Congregational Church, 2701 L Street. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent in Eva Rutland's name to a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eva RUTLAND
John and Mary Hughes
April 1, 2012
Ginger and family: John and I extend our sincerest sympathy for your loss. I enjoyed you mom's two books, and shared them with other friends. What a long and bountiful life, and a wonderful example to her children. With such a history, we are left to rejoice and celebrate. Best wishes,
Pat (Montich) Bigelow
March 21, 2012
Bill, Patty-Jo and Ginger,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother's passing.
She was a lovely lady. I have wonderful memories of our time in Bonn.
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time.
Loren McMaster
March 20, 2012
Ginger, Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your mother.
If my memory is correct, I met her at a Bar Association luncheon at the Hyatt about a dozen years back that was held in your honor for your work as a journalist. She was a very gracious lady.
I will keep you in my thoughts as you go through this difficult period. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Attorney Windie Scott
March 19, 2012
After participating in this year's MLK March, I proceeded to the Convention Center with the intention of buying and having Mrs. Rutland sign a copy of her book. Needing to catch the bus back, I left without seeing her. I wish I had stayed.
Patty-Jo, Bill and Ginger, please know how much your mother was admired and how she leaves a rich legacy for you to continue to follow.
Please accept my deepest and sincerely sympathy.
Peggy Bruce
March 18, 2012
To all the Rutland children - please accept our sincere condolences in the passing of your awesome mother, Eva. Our parents, Herman (Stu) and Charlotte Stewart were dear friends of Eva and your father, Bill, Sr. What an honor and a privilege to have known them. We will always remember them both with great fondness. The world has lost an incredible woman but heaven has gained a beautiful angel! Blessings to your family! Peggy and Tom Stewart
Christine Yee Hollis
March 18, 2012
To Ginger and Patty-Jo, Elsie and Bill, my sincerest condolences to you upon the passing of your dear mom. I had the privilege of meeting her in person only once many years ago, but I always felt I knew her through your every day conversations. I am sure she will continue to be an everlasting presence in your hearts, along with that of your dad. Husband Michael and I send you our fondest regards.
Denise Griggs
March 17, 2012
Ginger and Family - Your mother was obviously a remarkable woman. You have my dearest condolences.
Phoebe Baker
March 17, 2012
To the entire Rutland clan: my condolences to all.
Heidi Munoz
March 17, 2012
Dear Ginger,
Gerald Halldorson and I are so very sorry for your loss. Your mother was a good friend to my Mom and our family. We pray that you'll be comforted in knowing that your Mother is in God's loving arms and that she's probably "plotting a story" with my mom in heaven. God bless you and your family. Hugs!
Marcia Davis
March 17, 2012
To Patty-Jo and the entire Rutland family. I fondly remember the love you had for both your mother & father, Patty-Jo. You and I worked together at the D/Social Services back in the 80's. Do you remember? Your mother lived a long & full life and was a remarkable woman, which is why you are the person you are. My sympathies to each and everyone of the family members who will dearly miss her. May God bless you all.
Marcia (Henry) Davis
Jack and Muffie Carey
March 17, 2012
March 17, 2012 ---- To each of the Rutland Family, Relatives, and Dearest Friends: --- Muffie and Jack Carey send their heartfelt condolences. We have been gifted with very loving memories of both your Mom and Dad during the two assignments we had at the Sacramento Air Logistics Center. Both of your Parents were admired and cherished individuals to each of us who had the opportunity to be in their presence. God now has them both to himself, and perhaps He sent for Mom to again take control over your Wonderful and playful Dad … Much Love and Respect to all of you...
-Jack and Muffie Carey (Fairborn, Ohio)
Phil Westmoreland
March 17, 2012
Mrs. Rutland's story is that of a wonderfully remarkable woman. I honor her memory and send condolences to her family.
Donna Fairchild
March 17, 2012
May God's love and many joyful memories of your dear mother comfort you in this time of sorrow.
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