Ruth Rutledge

Mrs. Ruth Marie Rutledge, age 94, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away peacefully Sunday, July 13, 2025, at home surrounded by family.
Ruth was born on October 2, 1930, a daughter of Celestine Joseph and Frances Ann (Giesing) Rothove. She was raised by her mother and step-father, Jessie Clyde Adams.
A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Ruth attended Jefferson City Public Schools.
On February 22, 1947, she married Johnie Lewis Welch, and together they were blessed with six children. She traveled extensively to support Johnie throughout his military career. On November 13, 1964, she married Lester Leroy "Jimmy" Rutledge in Jefferson City, Mo. Jimmy lovingly helped raise all seven children and was a devoted dad to each of them until his passing on May 1, 1979.
Ruth dedicated her life to caring for others - working as a childcare provider, at Hall's Pharmacy, and retiring from Montgomery Ward. Her most important role and life's calling was as a homemaker. She lovingly and proudly raised her seven children and later babysat many of her grandchildren and cared for her aging parents. Always the person her large family turned to for comfort and guidance, Ruth's gentle yet strong spirit shone through in all she did, leaving a lasting legacy of love and devotion.
Ruth enjoyed a full and active life. She served as a dedicated member of the V.F.W. Roy Sone Post 1003 Ladies Auxiliary, where she was a past president and treasurer. She cherished family cookouts and especially loved Sunday dinners, when everyone gathered to share a meal and play card games. A talented seamstress, she made many of her children's clothes as they grew up and later found joy quilting with her sister. Ruth also enjoyed traveling to visit family in Michigan and Texas, always valuing time spent with those she loved.
Ruth always put her family first, worrying about them even when they were grown, and was the steady, caring presence everyone relied on. Her loved ones will especially remember her parting words, "Love ya and miss ya," - a simple but heartfelt reminder of just how deeply she cared.
Survivors include: five children, John Joseph "Joe" Welch of Brighton, Mi., Vance Wayne Welch of Jefferson City, Mo., Saunsira Theresa Maupins (Robert) of Blue Springs, Mo., Linda Kay Hiatte of Jefferson City, Mo. and Dorothy "Dottie" Rutledge Kerr of Jefferson City, Mo.; four siblings, Don Rothove (Marc), Stanley Rothove (Evelyn), Ronnie Rothove (Marilyn) and JoAnn Graessle (Paul); 14 grandchildren, Angie Potts, Bryan Potts (Lisa), Christy Potts, Douglas Welch (Katrina), Thomas Welch (Amy), Michael Jackson (Belinda), Freddie Vernon, Dalton Welch, Saunchel Maupins, Cole Hiatte, Madesen Hiatte, Christina Roberson (Jay), Jimmy Kerr and Susan Kerr; 20 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and step-father, Clyde; her husband, Jimmy; two daughters, Debbie Vernon and Sue Potts, and her husband Donald; son-in-law, Kenny Kerr; and daughter-in-law, Carol Welch.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with Pastor Jon David Skiles officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery.
A webcast of Ruth's service will begin at 3:00 p.m. Saturday for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary's website and clicking the "Webcast Now" button below the obituary text.
Those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Ruth Rutledge Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.