Kenneth “Ken” Eugene Rutledge

Kenneth “Ken” Eugene Rutledge, age 66, of Shirley, Indiana, passed away at his residence on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Ken, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, was born Monday, February 18, 1959, in New Castle, Indiana, to the late Donald and Naomi Pearl (Hedges) Rutledge. 

Ken graduated from Blue River Valley High School in New Castle, Indiana, in 1977. Ken worked as a burial vault installer for Wimmer Burial Vaults in New Castle, Indiana. 

His career spanned over 20 years, and he made many friends along the way. He was a gem. He was skilled, dependable, loyal, and easygoing. He was described by those who knew and loved him as a “workaholic.”

While on the job, Ken would put the grieving families at ease. All of the local funeral directors knew he took pride in his work, and they could rest assured that the job would be done right. Everyone knew that Ken would treat the grieving families with respect and dignity. He would treat them as if they were his own family. Ken enjoyed many things in his life. Ken loved spending time with his wife, Donna, whom he married on Monday, March 17, 2003. Ken loved camping, fishing, and just generally spending as much time as possible outdoors enjoying beauty and nature. He was a dog lover and was especially fond of beagles. 

Ken liked to listen to classic rock music from the 1960s and 1970s. Ken also loved traditional bluegrass music as well. This love of bluegrass added to the love of one of his favorite movies, “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” a bluegrass comedy. His other favorite movie was the 1946 classic “It's a Wonderful Life.” When it came to food, he wasn't picky; he liked it all, but his favorites were fresh summer watermelon and sweet corn. The most important thing to Ken was being a protector and a provider. He always wanted to make sure he did everything he could possibly do to ensure he was taking care of and providing for his loving wife, Donna, who he absolutely cherished. In addition to his wife, Donna, Ken is survived by his children, Daniel Rutledge and Michelle Rutledge; stepsons, Nicholas Smith, Jesse Smith, and Corey Sauer; and two grandchildren. Also mourning the loss of Ken is his brother Don (Kandi) Rutledge. In addition to Ken's parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers. Ken will be always loved, never forgotten, and forever missed by every life he touched. 

 The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. 
A Celebration of Ken’s  Life will be held on Saturday June 21, 2025 at noon at Baker Park, 2200 South Main Street, New Castle, Indiana. 47362. The family has requested guests bring a covered dish. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to help cover Ken's outstanding medical bills and expenses, to honor Ken's memory and support the family during this difficult time. Checks may be paid and mailed directly to: 

~The staff of Liming Family Funeral Home are honored to serve the family of Kenneth “Ken” Eugene Rutledge.

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