Virginia Kay Rutledge's Obituary
Virginia K. Rutledge, Sr., born March 1st, 1954, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on the morning of February 2nd, 2025.
Virginia will be laid to rest aside her late husband Charles “Chuck” Rutledge, Sr., daughter Virginia “Kay” Rutledge, Jr. and son Charles “Chuckie” Rutledge, Jr.
Virginia was born on March 1st, 1954, in Highland, Illinois to parents Don Owens Nickle and Nina Ann Nickle (LaRussa). Virginia had three brothers: Don, Anthony, and Frank.
Virginia was introduced to her husband, Chuck, by friends while she was in high school. They were married on October 9th, 1969 in Edwardsville, Illinois. They were married for 37 years, before his passing in 2006.
The couple resided in Illinois for the births of their seven children; and the first 19 years of their marriage. In 1988 Virginia, Chuck and their seven children made the move to what they would call home for the rest of their lives: Washington. Here, Virginia worked in hospitality and as a caregiver in retirement facilities. Virginia spent her life caring for and loving others.
Not to be forgotten is the enormous love that Virginia had for animals. Throughout her life she had several pets, all of whom she loved dearly. However, her two chihuahuas “Pepper” and “Princess” were truly her pride and joy. And most recently, her cats “Cupcake” and “Brownie” who she loved to spoil and cuddle on her lap.
Virginia was also a collector; she left behind many trinkets and treasures. To name a few are the teddy bears that Chuck gifted her every holiday season and the Elvis Presley memorabilia that she kept on display for her family to admire and enjoy.
Virginia enjoyed hobbies that brought her joy and tranquility. Amongst her favorite hobbies was crocheting. She loved to make blankets and scarves to gift to her family and display throughout her home. She also enjoyed crossword and sudoku puzzles; she always had a book of puzzles that she carried in her purse and a stack beside her chair at home. Another hobby she enjoyed was cooking and watching cooking shows. She had an immense love for food. Her favorite was Italian cuisine or her classic dishes such as biscuits and gravy or goulash.
Virginia was diagnosed with several health issues during her later years, including Lupus (SLE), lung disease (ILD) and heart failure (CHF). Like everything else in her life: Virginia fought these battles with a seemingly endless supply of strength and determination. After the passing of her eldest daughter, Kay, Virginia’s health began to decline rapidly. On the morning of February 2nd, 2025, she passed away surrounded by her family.
Virginia’s final wish was: “I wish to be remembered as a protective, loving and caring mother. I wish for my children to always know how deeply loved they are. My greatest wish is to see all my grandchildren grow up and to be closer to my children.”
Virginia is survived by an abundance of loving friends and family, including- daughters: Susan Rutledge, Jennifer (Stephen) Haddenham, Patricia Rutledge and Sandra (Jason) Cardona; son: Matthew (Chrystal) Rutledge, Sr.; grandchildren: Ashley Frierson, Michael Frierson, Justin Frierson, Haily Estenson, Kayla Haddenham, Brianna Haddenham, Destiny Rutledge, Eva Cardona, Isabella Chuc, Myah Cardona, Matthew Rutledge, Jr., Dominic Chuc, and Jasmine Chuc; and great grandson: Ezekial Hines.
Virginia will be remembered as a fighter; never having backed down from the battles she faced. A protective, loving, caring wife, mother, and grandmother; Virginia was a remarkable person. Virginia K. Rutledge will forever be missed by her friends and family
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