Leilani Rutledge, age 75 of Rockwall, TX, was born on August 17, 1944, and passed away on November 16, 2019. Leilani was a longtime resident of the Dallas area and met her husband-to-be, Ronald Rutledge, at Richardson High School. They married September 15, 1961, when Leilani was only 17 and Ronald was only 20. They enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage.
Although Leilani was always in a hurry (especially driving to Starbucks to spend time with friends!), she always enjoyed time spent with family and loved hosting family events. She loved people and never met a stranger. Leilani had a very giving nature and through the years she volunteered at several hospitals and assisted living facilities. She managed to stay in touch with several of the friends she had made in various cities that she and her family had lived. She also enjoyed working in her yard and decorating her home.
One of Leilani’s favorite things to do was to go shopping in Canton—she never missed First Mondays. She also loved her chocolate lab, CoCo. Like any loving grandmother, she managed to spoil all her grandchildren, as well as her dog. Leilani was a member of the First Baptist Church in Rockwall.
Leilani is survived by her husband: Ron Rutledge of Rockwall, TX; sons: Jeff Rutledge and wife Lauren and stepsons Michael, Cole, Hayden and Hunter, Todd Rutledge and his children Conner, Caroline and Carly, and Chris Rutledge; daughter: Michelle Doss and husband Tommy and their son Leyton; brothers: Chuck Hawes and wife Dottie, and their children Ashley, Chuck and Nick; Steve Hawes and his daughter Katherine; sister: Paula Chapman and husband Dudley, and their daughter Courtney. She was preceded in death by her parents.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Lensch for his 20 years of caring for Leilani, and the staff at Texas Health of Plano for their kindness and caring during her recent illness.
A celebration of Leilani’s life will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location with Pastor Steve Swofford officiating.
God bless Nani. We love and miss you very much.
In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the Guillain-Barré Syndrome organization of your choice.
