Billie Lou Rutledge

Billie Lou Rutledge, 84, formerly of rural Walker, Mo., passed away suddenly on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014, at Nevada Regional Medical Center, in Nevada. Billie was born July 12, 1930, in Mindenmines, Mo., to Lawrence M. Copeland and Lula M. (Hill) Copeland. She was united in marriage to Merle Rutledge on May 17, 1947, in Fort Scott, Kan., and he preceded her in death on Feb. 22, 2000.

Billie grew up in rural Walker, Mo., and graduated from Walker High School. During her married life, Billie and Merle lived on their farm near Walker, where she enjoyed being a farm wife and homemaker. She was also the food service director at Cottey College for a number of years. Billie was involved in various community activities including volunteering as a Pink Lady at the Nevada Regional Medical Center, serving as a longtime 4-H leader with the Howard Knight 4-H Club, and was a member at the First Baptist Church, in Nevada, where she was active with the Funeral Dinner Committee.

Billie was also an avid flower gardener, and loved baking homemade pies and fresh bread.

Survivors include three daughters, Neta Hartline and her husband, Jack, El Dorado Springs, Mo., Susan Barrett and her husband, Rob, Nevada, and Derenda Gariss and her husband, Doug, Lamar, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Ines May, Nevada; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband, Merle, she was preceded in death by one grandson, Casey; one brother Eugene Copeland; and one sister, Juanita Dominquez.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada, with the Revs. Randy Gariss and Bill Cox officiating. Interment will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made in her memory to the First Baptist Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.