Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1926
DIED
2009
Robb Rutledge Obituary
Memorial service: 4 p.m. Tuesday at All Saints Episcopal Church. Interment: 3 p.m. Tuesday in Greenwood Memorial Park. Visitation: 3 to 5 p.m. Monday at Thompson's Harveson & Cole Funeral Home.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rutledge Scholarship Fund at Trinity Valley School; Cancer Care Services; or a charity of choice.
Robb Howard Rutledge was born Feb. 16, 1926, in Detroit Lakes, Minn., son of the late Dr. Lloyd and Nancy Rutledge. His family has a legacy of physicians, including his grandfather, father and brother, and currently his son, Peter, granddaughter, Kate, nephew, Robb and great-nephew, Geoff. Dr. Rutledge graduated from Detroit Lakes High School, attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Harvard Medical School. He completed his surgical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, serving as chief resident in his final year. During the Korean War, he served as flight surgeon in the Air Force. He met his wife, Eunice, when she was a student at Wellesley College and they recently celebrated their 59th anniversary.
Dr. Rutledge opened his practice in Fort Worth in 1957 and retired in 1994, but continued teaching and consulting at John Peter Smith until 2003. He would want to acknowledge with gratitude his longtime assistant, Mrs. Teresa Grimmett. Dr. Rutledge was also a volunteer at Cancer Care Services and wishes to thank his friends in that group.
Dr. Rutledge's memberships include the American, Texas and Fort Worth surgical societies, the Southern Surgical Association. He wrote more than 50 articles and book chapters with special interest in medical history, particularly the Viennese physician, Dr. Theodore Billroth. In 1997, he was asked to give the opening Ceremonial Lecture for the American College of Surgeons on the topic "The Day Surgery was Changed Forever," the successful demonstration of ether anesthesia at Mass General Hospital.
Dr. Rutledge received the Gold Headed Cane Award in 1984 and was honored by Harris Methodist Hospital in 1996 with the designation of the Robb H. Rutledge Educational Center.
He was a sports fan, loyal to the Michigan Wolverines, and a devoted friend to many. He loved medicine and said many times, "I would love to be starting all over again."
Survivors: His wife, Eunice; his children, David and his wife, Dale, Peter and his wife, Linda, Susan Mitchell and her husband, Ralph Mitchell, and John and his wife, Laura; and grandchildren, Robb, Kate, and Alan Rutledge, Rachel and Eric Rutledge, James and Andrew Mitchell, and Meredith, Blake, McCarley and Grant Rutledge.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robb Rutledge
David Melville, M.D.
January 23, 2010
Dr. Rutledge was a physician's physician, one to be emulated. My condolences to the Rutledge family. Your dad and husband was a very fine man.
Rober Murchison, M.D.
January 20, 2010
Robb will be sorely missed by Fort Worth. By his family, his patients and his colleages. He was a wonderful person and excellent surgeon
January 11, 2010
Dr. Rutledge was the best doctor I've
ever had. He saved my life one New Year's Eve some 40 years ago. He rushed
to Harris Hospital, still in his party
clothes, assuring us that he had not been drinking. God blessed us with one
of his best when he sent us Dr. Rutledge.
Norman Turnage, Fort Worth, Texas
collette mcfarland
January 9, 2010
Dr.Peter Rutledge, I feel for you in your time of sorrow. Rest assured that we will all meet our loved ones again some day!
January 7, 2010
Dear Mrs. Rutledge and Family: I was so very sorry to hear Dr. Rutledge has passed away. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss - even more hard to bear at Christmas time.
While reading previous entries I note Mrs. Grimmett has also passed away. Together they were truly a great team; I was honored to be a temporary part of their team for a few years. In spite of my youth & lack of experience, they taught me so much & set the finest example of patient care.
Mrs. Rutledge, it was always so charming how he spoke of you & always by your nickname. He loved his family & spoke often of you all as he worked. I can envision that he absolutely adored his grandchildren!
I hope the good Lord will give you peace & also strength to get through this sad time. Now he knows everything.
Yours truly,
Deborah Johnson Dawkins
Lou Tiscione
January 6, 2010
It was an honor and privilege to have known Dr. Rutledge. The Lord truly blessed me and Laurie through Rob, Eunice and the entire Rutledge family. We are deeply saddened at the news of his passing. May the Lord Jesus pour out His comfort during this time of grieving.
In Christ's love,
The Rev. Lou and Laurie Tiscione
January 5, 2010
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire family during this time. Dr. Rutledge was a wonderful person and outstanding physician. I truly appreciate all that he taught me about medicine and about life during the time I worked for him. He will be missed for his "Good Cheer".
Sincerely,
Lisa Sullivan Sweet
Jeannie Baumgardner
January 4, 2010
Dr. Rutledge and his entire family have been a joy everytime I saw him he wanted to know how I was doing ,always caring for others, and no matter what life handed him he always took it with a smile! Truly will miss him and his good cheer!
Donna Moncrief
January 4, 2010
Dr. Rutledge the best doctor and friend any one could have. He operated on my 79 year old grandmother and 9 month old son during his years as the best MD. We all will miss him.
Jennifer Hawthorne
January 3, 2010
I met Dr. and Mrs. Rutledge the day I was hired at Cancer Care Services. I visited a reception at CCS that evening and they were the first couple I was introduced to by Craig Schaefer. They made me feel welcome and at ease immediately. They have been special friends of CCS and I am honored to have known Dr. Rutledge for this short time. My prayers are with you Mrs. Rutledge. Take care and delight in your memories of your husband.
January 3, 2010
A fine man and excellent dedicated surgeon.. I appreciate his being my surgeon and admired his quiet demeanor.
Blessings, Toby Erwin D.C.
January 2, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Rutledge family during this difficult time.
I love my Dr. Rutledge - he is one of the last true Dr.'s on this earth - whom truly cared about his patients (he did not care about the money - he loved his calling - medicine, health --- what he could do for all humans and I'm sure all living creatures......) I am 54 years old - I was 3 or 4 years old - when I was in an unfortunate accident (my face/cheek cut so badly - he put my face/cheek back together).....
I have visited his office many more times and even after I married in 1975 my spouse had seen him.....
We moved away a few years later....
Dr. Rutledge will always be in my heart forever.....
I truly believe that we will meet again.......
Love,
Derylene (Georgia Derylene Thomas) Reeh
Diana Chandler
January 2, 2010
My sincere condolences to the Rutledge family on the loss of Dr. Rutledge. He saved my son's life and also was my mother's surgeon. Teresa Grimmett was my mother's neighbor and friend for many years. Dr. Rutledge was a doctor who inspired trust and confidence, as well as being exceptionally kind. His life was a shining example to others. May he rest in peace. Diana Chandler
Catherine Davis
January 1, 2010
Dr. Robb Rutledge saved my life in 1969. That is 40 years of extra life. My sympathy to the family. The happy thoughts - he reached his real home for the Christmas celebration. He returned to God who gave him his gifts and talents which he used in caring for his patients.
January 1, 2010
My sympathy and prayers are with you. Gail Yager
January 1, 2010
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a special person and surgeon. He saved my Mom's life back in 1970. He was a miracle to me and allowed me to have my Mother another 18 years. He was admired so much in the community. Such a kind person. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Linda Wagner
January 1, 2010
Eunice, My love and prayers are with you and your family. Robb was such a warn gentle man and he gave so much to Ft Worth. He will be missed. Sharon Davis- Jones
Tom and Lila Rapp
December 30, 2009
With sympathy, love , and prayers
Diane Orehek
December 30, 2009
Dear Friends,
It has been a trying year for so many, and losing a patriarch is especially difficult for all family members, perhaps the youngest ones most.
I am honored to have had the privilege of knowing your families, and learning with Eric and Rachel, Meredith and Blake--our hearts go out to you during this time and beyond, when the realizations often settle in more heavily.
Amongst the many humanitarian gifts given to the community, I particularly enjoy the lectures provided at TVS, and thank you all again for making those possible.
My thoughts are with you...
Fond regards,
Diane Orehek
First Grade
TVS
Candy Jackson
December 30, 2009
To the Rutledge family, I literally burst into tears when I saw the good doctor's obituary. What an adorable man he was and what a great healer. I had the great fortune to call him my doctor. He leaves a monumental legacy and will be greatly honored for eternity.
May you have the peace of mind that he is being lauded for a wonderfully served life.
Prayerfully yours,
Candy Jackson
Valerie Gavia
December 30, 2009
So sorry to hear of Dr. Rutledge's passing. He perfomed surgery on my some 30 years ago and was so reassuring to me and my family. I referred lots of patients to him and always knew he would do the same for them. He was so kind. May he rest eternally in peace as he was a true healer.
December 30, 2009
The Rutledge Family,
Dr. Rutledge performed surgery on my husband, my infant son, and on me.
I admired and respected him for his compassion and surgical skills. He was a remarkable man.
You are in my prayers.
Nell Whaylen
Fort Worth, Texas
Malee & Caleb Caviness
December 30, 2009
Mrs. Rutledge,
I just found out about Dr. Rutledge. I am so sorry for your loss.
My husband and I are expecting twin girls. I have always felt Mamaw (Theresa Grimmett) would be watching over them. I am sure Dr. Rutledge will be too.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
Sterling Grimmett
December 30, 2009
Mrs. Rutledge,
I am sorry for your loss. Even though I didn't meet Dr. Rutledge very many times, I felt like I knew him from Mamaw's stories. It ment a lot to see both of you at Mamaw's Rosery. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Robert Patton
December 30, 2009
Mrs. Rutledge: We have just returned to town and were saddened to learn that Rob had passed away. You, and your family are in our prayers. Rob was a fine gentleman and great doctor.
God bless you all.
Scooter Grimmett
December 30, 2009
Dear Eunice and Family,
Lisa and I would like to send you our deepest sympathy. Dr. Rutledge and Mom made a great team.
God has the best nurse, now he has the best doctor.
If there is anything we can do please let us know.
Elizabeth Parker
December 30, 2009
My husband had the honor of working with Dr. Rutledge at Harris Hospital for many years. Although I had never met him, Dr. Rutledge came to visit me after I'd had surgery. He came by every day for the week I was hospitalized, as he made his rounds to see his patients.
How could anyone ever forget such kindness? He made a permanent impression on us.
I've never heard my husband speak more highly of another human being than he did of Dr. Rutledge.
Loretta Grimmett Galloway
December 30, 2009
Mrs. Rutledge..I just heard of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Dr. Rutledge was one of the kindest men that I have ever met and he was so good to our mother and family. Just know in your heart that he's in a better place and he and mom are talking of past times at the hospital.
December 29, 2009
To the Rutledge family our prayers are with you at the time of your sorrow. I still remember when Dr Rutledge picked up on my accent of the northeast, it has been 27 years and I still have the same accent. He was a man that I was proud to be able to say I knew and had the pleasure of working with on Jones 3 South. God Bless You All.
Judi & Lenny Morry
Betty Long
December 28, 2009
Dear Rutledge Family:
I felt honored to work in surgery with Dr. Rutledge in the 70's and 80's at All Saints Hospital. We all admired and respected Dr. Rutledge very much. With my sympathy and prayers.
Susan Al-Ameer
December 28, 2009
I am so sorry for your loss.Dr. Rutledge was a very talented surgeon. I am very honored that i was able to work with him before his retirement.
Blesss you all.
Tim & Gloria Clements & Family
December 28, 2009
The Rutledge family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Kay Ward Davis
December 28, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Eunice, and all the kids. Robb was a brilliant doctor and an awesome husband and father. I'll never forget that he was the ONLY one that my mother would allow to pierce my ears, which he did exactly 50 yrs. ago! He will be missed by his many peers as well your family and relatives of course.
With our love, Richard and Kay Davis
Quenna Burr
December 28, 2009
With Deepest Sympathy
Bob & Quenna Burr
December 28, 2009
Dear Pete, Linda, Rachel, and Eric,
Our holidays will never be the same. Losing a parent, or grandparent, changes our lives forever.
I only met Dr. Rutledge a couple of times, and never had the privilege of working with him. However, that captivating twinkle in his eye and his quick wit made me wish I'd truly known him.
Pete, I know he was a wonderful support to you and he will be missed.
Remember that our family loves you and we are here if you can think of anything we can do to lighten your load during this terribly sad time.
Always,
Tina and Rick McLendon
December 27, 2009
Dear Eunice and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I will be in touch when I return from Boise, Idaho.
Robb was such a special person and I will never forget how kind he was to all of us when Phil was in the hospital.
Much love,
Martha Slover
Dorothy DuBose Scherr
December 27, 2009
Eunice, this makes me really sad. Like an era has passed. I did not see you two often enough - he is (was???) a shining light in my world and I did not ever really imagine him gone. I know you must miss him terribly. Love to you all, Dorothy (DuBose) Scherr and W.S./ Dossie DuBose Clan (and me, your Wellesley convert).
Bonnie Shaffer
December 26, 2009
My sympathy to your family. Eunice, I know you and your family will miss him greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ginny Smith
December 26, 2009
Working at Harris Hospital for 30 years you get to know the doctors and their staff. Dr Rutledge and Teresa Gimmett were always a pleasure to talk to. Their patients were always well informed and knew what to expect when they entered the hospital for surgery. He was such a soft spoken man and greatly admired by all. I hope a lot of surgeons learned not only his surgical skills but his bedside manner.
God truly blessed him with skilled hands.
May he rest now.....
nina warfield
December 26, 2009
Bob and I extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Rutledge... David, Peter,Susan and John and all the family members. May God give you His peace that passes all understanding in this time of terrible grief and may you feel His comfort as He holds you in the palm of His hand. We send much love and prayers.
Rick Goggans
December 26, 2009
Catherine and I wish to express our deepest sympathy to Eunice and her family at this sad time.
Showing 1 - 41 of 41 results
Make a Donation
in Robb Rutledge's name
Memorial Events
for Robb Rutledge
How to support Robb's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robb Rutledge's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
