WILLIAM M. "BILL" RUTLEDGE

RUTLEDGE WILLIAM M. ESQ. "BILL" "JUG" January 16, 1937 - February 25, 2014. William M. Rutledge of Grosse Pointe Woods succumbed to heart failure after a life long battle against bigotry, bad grammar, poor spelling, legalese and the constant use of clichés. He was a teacher from 1959 through 2003 at parochial schools, the Grosse Pointe Public Schools, and Macomb Community College. He was awarded a BA in English and an Honors Master's degree both from Wayne State University and a Juris Doctor degree from the Detroit College of Law. Professor Rutledge was full time faculty at Macomb in the Business and English Departments and also practiced law in the tri-county area. Reflecting on the fact that during his long teaching career, he had taught every subject except mathematics, he was most proud that he had taught thousands to read and write. "It was my true life's work", he often said. Professor Rutledge is survived by the love of his life, his beloved wife Janet A. Weber, and his three very accomplished children (all of whom use correct grammar): community health improvement professional Lisa H. Rutledge, Professor Christine M. Rutledge-Russell (Mark) of the University of Iowa and Professor MSG Michael W. Rutledge U.S.A. (ret) of Northwestern Michigan College. He made a significant impact on the lives of his adored grandsons Alec M. Rutledge and John W. "Jake" Russell, sister and brother-in-law Patricia and Donald Brennan, numerous nephews and their families, and many cousins, friends and colleagues. The family requests donations in his honor be made to the donor's favorite charity or to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. A memorial celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church.