Kenneth Eugene "Ken" Rutledge

Kenneth "Ken" Eugene Rutledge, age 66, of Shirley Indiana, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Ken, a loving husband, father and grandfather was born Monday, February 18, 1959, in Shirley, Indiana, to the late Donald and Naomi Pearl (Hedges) Rutledge.

Ken graduated from Blue River Valley High School in New Castle, Indiana. in 1977. Ken worked many years as a Burial Vault Installer for Wimmer Burial Vaults in New Castle, Indiana.

His career spanned over 20 years and he made many friends along the way. He was a gem. He was skilled, dependable, loyal and easy going. He was described by those who knew and loved him as a "workaholic". He put the grieving families at ease. All of the local funeral directors knew he took pride in his work and they could rest assured that the job would be done right. Everyone knew that Ken would treat the grieving families with respect and dignity, as if they were his own family.

Ken enjoyed many things in his life. Ken loved spending time with his wife Donna, whom he married on Monday, March 17, 2003. Ken loved camping, fishing and just generally spending as much time as possible outdoors enjoying beauty and nature. He was a dog lover and was especially fond of beagles.

Ken liked to listen to classic rock music from the 1960's and 1970's. He also loved the traditional Bluegrass music as well. This love of bluegrass added to the love of one of his favorite movies, "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" a bluegrass comedy. His other favorite movie was the 1946 classic "It's a Wonderful Life" When it came to food, he wasn't picky; he liked it all, but his favorite was fresh summer watermelon and sweet corn.

The most important thing to Ken was being a protector and a provider. He always wanted to make sure he did everything he could possibly do to ensure he was taking care and providing for his loving wife, Donna who he absolutely cherished.

In addition to his wife, Donna, Ken is survived by his children, Daniel Rutledge and Michelle Rutledge; stepsons, Nicholas Smith, Jesse Smith and Corey Sauer and two grandchildren. Also mourning the loss of Ken is his brother Don (Candi) Rutledge. In addition to Ken's parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers. Ken will be always loved, never forgotten, forever missed by every life he touched.

The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. In keeping with Ken's final wishes, no funeral or memorial service will be held at this time.

A Celebration of Ken's Life will be held on Saturday June 21, 2025 at 12 noon at Baker Park, 2200 South Main Street, New Castle, Indiana. 47362.

Event: Celebration of Life

Date: Saturday, June 21st

Time: Noon

Request: Guests to bring a covered dish

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to help cover Ken's outstanding medical bills and expenses, to honor Ken's memory and support the family during this difficult time.

Checks may be paid and mailed directly to:

Donna Rutledge

1245 N Grant City Rd

Shirley, Indiana 47384

or you may drop the memorial contribution off at: Liming Family Funeral Home 306 Main Street, Shirley, Indiana 47384

The staff of Liming Family Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Kenneth "Ken" Eugene Rutledge. To sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit: https://www.limingfamily funeralhome.com