Marfae Blanche Rutledge

Merf Rutledge, 96, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on April 23, 2023, after a long and wonderful life, surrounded by her loving family. Merf was born on December 16, 1926, in Denton, Nebraska, to Louis and Ferne Reiss. She attended Central Rural High School and later graduated from the Lincoln School of Commerce.

Merf grew up singing at Sprague Methodist Church, including performing frequent duos with her sister Norma.

Merf was a fun, spunky, caring, and welcoming person who had a great sense of humor. She loved to sing and dance and always had a smile for everyone. Merf met her husband Roger when he was in the service, and she was a USO dancer/singer. The two bonded over a game of ping-pong and were married in 1947. They were together for many happy years until his passing.

Merf enjoyed many hobbies, including dancing, bowling, playing bingo, and cards of any kind. She was always up for a good game and loved spending time with her family and friends.

Merf is survived by her three children, Kirt (Cynthia) Rutledge, Brad (Susan) Rutledge, and Kimberly (Steven) Fanning, as well as her four grandchildren, Wendy (Tyler) Kohtz, Bradley Smith, Anna (Travis) Cordie, Neil Rutledge. She had four great-granddaughters who she dearly loved, Grace, Hannah, Emma Kohtz, and June Cordie. She is also survived by three nieces and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband Roger, her parents, Louis and Ferne Reiss, and her sister Norma (Larry) Fowler.

Merf will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

As Merf dearly loved the employees at the Legacy Retirement Center where she resided for the past seven years (and they adored her), the family asks that memorials go to the Legacy Employee Appreciation Fund c/o Front Desk at The Legacy Retirement Center, 5600 Pioneers Blvd. Lincoln NE 68506