Jerrydene (Roberts) Rutledge

Jerrydene Rutledge, age 85, of Flint, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025. Born in Flint on August 25, 1939, to Harold Roberts and Aileen Roberts, Jerrydene lived a full and deeply loving life devoted to her family, friends, and the simple joys that made her happiest.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry Rutledge.  Also preceding her in death were her parents, Harold and Aileen Roberts, and her brother, Daniel Roberts.

Jerrydene is survived by her son Bart Rutledge, daughter-in-law Stephanie Zemore, and her adored grandchildren and partners : Anna Rutledge and Justin McCann, Cole Rutledge and Devon Marinco, and Wyatt Rutledge; Cole Zemore and Dylan Alger, Trent Zemore; and Donovan Harrington and Hailey Cameron . She also leaves behind her treasured great-granddaughter Marcelina and Great Granddaughter on the way Lilliana. 

Family meant everything to Jerrydene, and she extended that love to many nieces and nephews, with special gratitude to Tina Brandle for her constant care and support throughout Jerrydene’s final days. Her sister-in-law, Mary McAdory, held a special place in her heart, always bridging the miles between them with unwavering love and presence.

Jerrydene’s life was rich with simple pleasures: reading a good book, tending to her plants, playing cards or bunko with “the ladies,” working on crafts, and above all, spending time with her grandchildren—her greatest joy and life’s true passion. She was a fiercely independent woman who met motherhood and grandmotherhood as her greatest challenge and honor, always striving to give her best.

She cherished good meals and good company, with favorites including Bart’s lasagna, Chinese food with her grandkids, and a comforting plate of goulash. Her favorite place in the world was Frankfort, Michigan—especially the shores of Pointe Betsie, which held a special place in her heart.

In her later years, Jerrydene found strength, laughter, and companionship in what her son lovingly referred to as her own “Golden Girls” on the third floor: sister-in-law Charlotte Stevens, close friend Carole Pavelick, and the late Shirley Brown and Janet “Pee-Wee” Thomas.

A celebration of Jerrydene’s life will be held at a later date.

Her strength, warmth, and fierce love will continue to live on in all those she touched. She will be deeply missed.

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