Donna Rutledge

Donna Jo Livingston Rutledge, 88, of Rockwall, Texas, passed away August 2, 2024.

Donna was born to the late Leon Livingston and Arlene Martin Livingston on December 4, 1935, in Hurley, Missouri. Soon after her birth, the family left Missouri for Modesto, California, where Donna graduated from Modesto High School and attended Modesto Junior College.

She was a young 18-year-old bride when she married Robert "Bob" Rutledge in 1954. They moved with Bob's job to Iowa, Indiana and then eventually to Mesquite, Texas where they chose to raise their children, Ron and Sue.

Donna worked for more than 20 years as an administrative assistant at Baylor Hospital. After retiring, Donna traveled the U.S. extensively, taking the family on vacations to Disney World, Hawaii and New York City. She adored attending live shows in Branson and had a special place in her heart for the Osmond Family. Her final road trip took her back to Missouri to visit her granddaughter's new home.

Donna enjoyed simple pleasures like card parties with friends, sewing, and collecting dolls and antiques. She liked socializing with neighbors and working in the yard, which she was very particular about keeping picture perfect. Donna considered her daughter Sue to be her closest friend and they rarely went a day without checking in until Sue's death in 2019.

As Grandma, Donna braved amusement parks, countless sleepovers, plus trips to the family farm and the Texas coast with her three grandkids. As they became adults, she stayed active in their lives with lunches at Olive Garden and twisting their arms into escorting her to local theater performances. When the great-grandchildren came along, Donna easily assumed the role of "GG" and was very grateful to be around to watch them grow from babies into children.

Donna is survived by her son, Ronald (Theresa) Rutledge of Union Valley, TX; grandchildren Christopher (Teresa) Felts of Canton, TX, Jayme (Zachary) Rutledge Howell of Lebanon, MO and Kylee (Robert) Rutledge Likarish of McKinney, TX; great-grandchildren Holton Howell, Slade Felts and Lorna Felts, sisters-in-law Bonnie Livingston, Shirley McFarland and Rose Hoyt, brother-in-law Darwin Hoyt, son-in-law Mike Felts and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by husband Robert Rutledge, daughter Susan Felts, siblings Carl Livingston, Colleen Scudder and Jerry Livingston.

Donna had a deep love for Jesus Christ and in later years kept up her faith by watching television ministry. She was very generous and regularly contributed to charity, including St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Memorial donations can be made there in her name.