Louisa V Rutledge

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Louisa Valdez Rutledge. Louisa Valdez Rutledge passed away peacefully at Grace Point Hospice in El Paso, TX on April 8, 2026, with the Franklin Mountains quietly watching over her. She was a gracious and amazing 104 years old.

Louisa was born on September 14, 1921, in Valentine, Texas to Alejandro and Louisa Valdez. Louisa grew up in the small ranching and railroad town of Valentine, Texas. This is where she met and would end up marrying her husband of over 60 years, Curtis James Rutledge. They met while in 1939, Curtis was riding for the 5th U.S. Horse Cavalry from Fort Clark, Texas to his eventual destination of Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. She was a waitress at the time and as soon as his eyes gazed upon Louisa, it was meant to be. Love at first sight truly does happen. Curtis made his way to El Paso, as ordered, but hastily returned to Valentine to complete the love story.

Together they had 5 children, (Drucilla, Dennis, Robert, Wyatt and Scott), and 6 grandchildren (Victor, Veronica, Vanessa, Kelly, Spencer and Paul) who she loved and cared for throughout her life. Love for her family was first and foremost and meant everything to her, even while traveling around the world. During World War II and the Korean War, Louisa travelled with Curtis as he was stationed with the Army in multiple locations throughout those conflicts. Together they travelled from Kyoto, Japan, to Nuremburg, Germany, to London, England. When Curtis was on leave, they were able to visit other European countries such as France, Scotland and Denmark. Louisa especially loved seeing the colorful tulips and the workings of the beautiful windmills in Denmark. Quite a life for a girl from a small desert town in Texas.

She loved simple, meaningful things like the gorgeous roses she grew in her gardens, watching the hummingbirds drink from her sweet feeders, and the smell of the desert after a spring rain. Louisa was also an excellent cook. The family would get excited just to hear she would be preparing one of her delicious meals such as red chili, tamales, or menudo, handmade tortillas, and beans, rice and fresh salsa for dinner. Truly a simple and caring person, she made people feel seen and cared for at the same time. Never prejudice, never a complainer, always caring and a genuinely giving person. She believed in something greater, prayed often, attended church regularly, and carried quiet faith, guided by God and love. She was loved deeply by all her friends and family and will truly be missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Drucilla, her son Robert, his wife Laura and daughter Kelly, her son Wyatt, her son Scott and his wife Eileen. Her grandchildren, Victor, Veronica, Vanessa and her husband Donnie, Kelly, Spencer and Paul. Her great grandchildren, Kristian, Alex, Armand, Reed, Anais and Dakota.

She is preceded in death by her father Alejandro and mother Louisa, her husband Curtis, and her brothers Jim, Jose, and Eliseo, and sisters Cruz Carrillo and Raquel Rivera.

In her memory, “We hold onto the spirit of love, giving, having gratitude and remembering that life is truly a gift and there is no greater love than that of family and God”.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 from 11am to 3pm with a 12pm Memorial Service, at Funeraria Del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer St. El Paso, TX 79904.