Mae Lorene Rutledge

Lorene was born on September 20, 1927, to Martin Luther and Birdie Lee Thorson in Elliott, IL, and graduated from Drummer Township High School in 1945. She married Robert G. Rutledge of Gibson City, IL, in 1947, and they spent most of their lives on Sunnyside Drive in Springfield, IL, where they raised their two sons, Steve Rutledge and Tom Rutledge.

Lorene worked for Equifax for many years until her retirement. She loved music and worked for several years in the ticket office of the Illinois Country Opry. She was a member of the “Red Hat” society for several years. Many people did not know that Lorene loved to write poetry. Her poems were cherished by her family and showed her creativity.

Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Rutledge; daughter-in-law, Diane Rutledge; grandchildren, Ian and Madeline Rutledge; parents; and two sisters, Carol Ann (Thorson) Howard and Hazel Marie (Thorson) Witt.

Lorene is survived by her sons, Stephen (Steve) Rutledge of Springfield, IL, and Thomas (Sonya) Rutledge of Nashville, TN; and granddaughter, Mia Lorene Rutledge of Franklin, TN.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.

Lorene will be interred next to her husband at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.