Obituary of Johanne Rutledge

Johanne Hedgelon Rutledge, 78, of Galilee Pa. passed away on August 26, 2016 after a short illness. She was born on July 10, 1938 in Honesdale Pa. and was the daughter of George and Eva Hedgelon. Johanne graduated from Honesdale High School and attended Wayne Commercial School. She was a school bus owner and driver for many years as well as a bookkeeper and devoted wife and mother. She served for many years as Damascus PTA president as well as president of the Wayne County Council. She was an avid crossword fan and loved drives through the countryside in the convertible with her husband. She looked forward every year to hosting the Hedgelon family reunion. She also had a tradition of baking Christmas cookies each December that we fondly just called "Cookie Day", which was a reunion in itself. She was a caring, selfless soul who you would rarely see without a genuine smile on her face. Her warm heart and kindhearted spirit filled a room and she will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege to know her. Johanne was preceded in death by her dear sister, Marlene Brown. Surviving are her one true love, her husband of 59 years, James Rutledge. Her children, James Rutledge Jr. and wife Carol, Thomas Rutledge and long-time companion Mark Thomas , Deborah DiGise and her husband Joseph, Patti Roche and her husband Joseph, and Eric Rutledge and his partner John Sylvina. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Jason DiGise, Brian DiGise, Stephanie DiGise, Max Roche and fiancée Meggie Vaccarro, and Courtney Roche. She is also survived by, and shared a close bond with her sister Joyce McKean of Marco Island, Florida, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Equinunk Fire Department, 2625 Hancock Highway, Equinunk, Pa. 18417 Friends may call on Thursday, September 1 from 7 to 9 PM, and a memorial service and celebration of her life will be held Friday, September 2 at 11:00 AM at Bryant Funeral Home, 1228 N. Main Street, Honesdale, Pa. She will be interred at a later date.