She earned degrees in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at Southern Methodist University, while already working as a full-time mainframe computer programmer. She then continued on to a career as a programmer/analyst working for such companies as Texas Instruments, Seven Eleven, MBNA and Bank of America. Colleagues have described her as a great executive leader and mentor, and as a role model for the growth of women in computers at the time.
As a child in an Air Force family, she grew up in Alaska, Nebraska, Florida, St Louis, and England to name a few postings. She did not find out Marlene was actually her middle name until she had to sign for a passport as a ten-year-old. She loved traveling, puzzles, games and outdoor adventures. She enjoyed woodworking projects and building things, even doing a brief stint helping to flip houses. Some visitors to her home commented on the unusual inclusion of her table saw amongst her living room furniture.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Rutledge, and is survived by her wife,Stephanie Campbell; her mother, Frances Wold; her brother and sister-in-law, Joel and Cheryl Rutledge; her nephew, James Rutledge; her niece Jordan Lee, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins who were dear to her.
There will be a Memorial Service at her home in Carrollton on September 29th at six pm. Anyone who knew her and would like to attend would be welcome! In lieu of flowers, please donate to Operation Kindness. The link is below.
