Laura Rutledge

Mrs. Laura Virginia Rutledge, 79, died Thursday, Jan.10, 2013. 

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville.
A private burial will follow in Oddfellows Cemetery.
Visitation will be held 1-2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 at Welch Funeral Home prior to services.
Welch Funeral Home of Starkville is in charge of arrangements.

Born on Nov. 24, 1933 in Iuka, Laura was the daughter of Effie Mae Anderson Jolly and Bill Anderson. Laura graduated from Okolona High School, where she was named "Most Beautiful."  Soon afterward, she married Mack Rutledge from Troy. Together they enjoyed a magnificent marriage of over 50 years before Mack's passing in 2005. With wife, workmate and adviser Laura by his side, Brother Mack pastored Baptist churches throughout North Mississippi. When Mack ran for Mayor of Starkville, Campaign Manager Laura was his secret for success in two elections. 

Throughout her life, Laura enjoyed working in and out of the home. She was a professional bookkeeper and even in "retirement" kept the records for Starkville Community Church, which she and Mack helped found. Laura was devoted to the ministry, growth, and management of Starkville Community Church. Her favorite role, though, was that of informal "grandmother" to the children of the church and her neighborhood. Prior to their fellowship with Starkville Community Church, Mack and Laura were active in First Baptist Church of Starkville, he as Sunday School teacher and Supply Pastor, and she as President of the Choir.  
Laura loved good times with family and friends, and she loved to laugh. Laura's vivid, warm personality was apparent in everything from her fashion sense to her optimism. She was a splendid wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. 

Laura is survived by sons, Philip Rutledge (Lynn) of Madison and Bryan Rutledge of Houston, Texas; granddaughter, Mary Martin Guerieri (Trey) of Madison; and great-granddaughter, Nora Lynn. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Evelyn Morgan, Aline McCollum and Martha "Sissy" Curtis. 

The family thanks the devoted caregivers of Arbor Nursing Home in Ridgeland, in particular nurses, Lula Hairston and Sherri Hughes. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Starkville Animal Shelter or the charity of your choice.  

You can go online and sign the guest register at http://www.welchfuneralhomes.com [1].