Bruce Rutledge (July 5, 1959 - February 8, 2010).

Obituary

Rutledge, Raymond Bruce II Ann Arbor, MI

Following his courageous year-and-a-half struggle with cancer and with his family at his side, passed away peacefully on the morning of February 8, 2010. Raymond, known by all as Bruce, was born July 5, 1959, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Raymond Bruce Rutledge I and Ruth Ann (Apple) Staggs, and stepson of Gerald Leon Staggs. Bruce is a 1977 graduate of Pinckney High School. For the past 29 years, Bruce has been involved in elder care, as the owner/ operator of a licensed Adult Foster Care Home- Rutledge Manor, located at 2652 Dexter Ave. Bruce was an avid sports fan- football, hockey, baseball, basketball, or you name it, anything competitive. Those who knew him understood that Bruce was always very serious about his sports. From t-ball to little league, from the high school baseball team to many years of adult softball leagues, baseball was a part of his life. He looked forward to taking his seadoo out for a ride to his favorite spot, Half Moon Lake. Bruce-aka Chef Boyardee - loved to cook, so much so that he insisted on catering his own wedding reception. And he has thoroughly enjoyed his pet project this past year, which was fixing up his 1982 Camaro! Bruce and his wife, Aimee, were married in June of 2005, and Aimee served as a faithful presence and constant support throughout her husband's struggle with cancer. Their young daughter, Hannah, was the light of Bruce's life-the inspiration for the courage he demonstrated throughout his grueling struggle. Bruce's 21 year-old daughter, Katherine, who was dearly loved by her father, gathered with the family to be near him during his final days. Also among those who surrounded Bruce with their love, as he prepared to leave this life, was his sister, Kimberly Hughes; his brother, John Staggs; his sister, Khristine Metcalf; his aunt, Carolyn Murphy; nephews, David and Matt Hughes; and many other beloved family members and friends. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Bruce Rutledge I, his cousin, Mark Edwin Murphy, his maternal grandparents, Margaret and Leo Apple, his paternal grandparents, Dorcus and William Rutledge, and his step-grand-parents, Wilma and Kenneth Christo, and Johnny Staggs. And while we know that Bruce is within the loving embrace of those who have gone before him, he will forever be dearly missed by those he has left behind. We love you, Bruce! The family wishes to express their appreciation and special gratitude for the faithful support of Aimee's co-workers at the City of Saline. These dear friends rallied to supply food, money, and emotional support over this past year-and-a-half-a demonstration of love which is beyond words. A memorial service will be held 2PM Friday, February 26, 2010 at Oakwood Cemetery, located on the corner of Michigan Ave. and Monroe St. in Saline, Michigan, with Chaplain David McNeil officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to make donations, please donate to the St. Joseph Cancer Care Center, 5301 E. Huron River Dr., Ypsilanti, MI, 48197, or to Ele's Place, 355 S. Zeeb Road, Suite E, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103