Ben Rutledge, 89, a Rock Island resident and Warren County native, died April 12 at his residence following a sudden illness.He was a retired employee of Ames Manufacturing, a member of Friendship the Baptist Church, and son of the late Levater and Lydie Belle Priest Rutledge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sons, Ben Edward and Liston Rutledge; wives, Jessie Young Rutledge on Oct. 31, 1977 and Ruth Davis Rutledge on Feb. 8, 2000; great-grandchild, Hannah Disbro Posthumus; brothers, William, Conde, Jim, Thomas, Denny, Aurby and Tol Rutledge; and sisters, Lenner, Emma, Sarah and Velma Rutledge. Survivors include sons and spouses, Bobby and Lola Rutledge and Preston and Lisa Rutledge, both of Rock Island; daughter and spouse, Darlene and Eddie Beadles of Dixson; grandchildren and spouses, Kurt and Sheila Rutledge, Keith Rutledge, Pamela Rutledge Disbro, Kenneth “Red” Rutledge, Robert Rutledge, and Nicole Cooley, all of Rock Island, Benny and Ashley Rutledge of Louisville, Ky., and Travis and Tosha Rutledge of Pikeville; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, Kinslee Rae Rutledge.
Ben Rutledge, 89