Ron Rutledge

Ronald Stanley Rutledge, age 79, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on August 10th 2025, at his residence following a long, courageous battle with cancer. Known to most as Ron, he was born in Pueblo, Colorado, on January 5, 1946, to the late Ronald Clark Rutledge and Betty Lucilla (Ross) Oeser. A Vietnam Veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Navy.

Ron is survived by his sons: Richard Lee Rutledge of Fort Wayne, Brian Thomas Rutledge of Fort Wayne; his treasured grandchildren all residing in Fort Wayne: Bea Rutledge, Skyy Rutledge, Kali Rutledge, and an unborn grandson. As the second oldest of 9 siblings, Ron is survived by his siblings: James Thomas Rutledge of Aurora, Colorado; Stephen C. Rutledge of Pueblo, Colorado; and Deborah Schamus of Grand Junction, Colorado.

Ron was a proud American. After serving his country in the Vietnam War he returned stateside to his home in Colorado before moving to Indiana with his first wife, Barbara. In later years he remarried to Tina and had two boys of which he was very proud of, Richard and Brian. He was well known as a hardworking white collar family man that worked in management his whole life. From industries ranging from movie theaters, manufacturing, warehouse operations like Ingram Book Company, to eventually retiring from retail management at Kroger.

He loved spending time with family cooking holiday meals and had many specialty dishes that family still craves. He absolutely loved sports of all kinds and was a diehard Denver Broncos and Notre Dame fan. Being an avid animal lover, he cherished all of his many beloved dogs over the years. He also liked movies, writing and playing music, and deep-sea fishing. 

Ron will be remembered for his grit, hard work, generosity, and unwavering love for his country, family, and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents: Ronald Clark Rutledge, Betty Lucilla Oeser (Ross); and his siblings: Gary Lee Rutledge, Paul Albert Rutledge, Janet Marie, Lewis Oeser, and Michael Oeser.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ron’s life on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Hite Funeral Home, 403 South Main Street, Kendallville. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 12:15 p.m. Burial will take place following the service at Highland Park Cemetery in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

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