Obituary
Guest Book
1932
2015
The Honorable Phyllis J. Rutledge died at Dunbar Health Care Friday, May 1, 2015. She had turned 83 years old on March 11th of this year.
Phyllis first started her political career as a Committeewoman in the early 1960’s. She later was elected as an Honorable WV House of Delegate from Kanawha County from 1968-1972, and again from 1988-1994. She was Speaker Pro Tempore during the 71st Legislature (the first female to do so), and Chairwoman of the Banking Committee, 70th Legislature. She served on numerous committees to include the Banking and Insurance, Health and Welfare, and Finance Committees. She was the first female Kanawha County Circuit Clerk, serving from 1972-1984. Phyllis was the recipient of the West Virginia Humanitarian of the Year in 1994, and is on the list of Famous West Virginians, due to her many accomplishments for the people of West Virginia.
Phyllis retired most recently from her job as a Lobbyist at the West Virginia Legislature, where she represented such groups of the American Cancer Society and Respiratory Therapists. She was responsible for getting many pieces of legislation passed for the people of West Virginia, both as a legislator and through her efforts as a lobbyist.
In 1960, when Phyllis heard John F. Kennedy say, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” she felt he was speaking to her, thus beginning her political career. As the Circuit Clerk, she was responsible for greatly reducing the backlog of old civil cases and modernizing the record system into the computer age. While serving her second stint as a Legislator, many members were taken under her wing, and “taught the ropes.” She was one of the most respected members, and it was once heard on the floor of the House, that when Phyllis Rutledge speaks, everybody listens! Another of Phyllis’s proud accomplishments was being named the Kanawha County Coordinator for Hillary Clinton. She was responsible for orchestrating the now famous “Honk and Wave” campaign which helped give Hillary her victory in West Virginia.
Preceding her in death were her parents, Roger and Inez Lewis, her beloved husband of twenty-six years, Ralph J. Rutledge, brothers Roger, Harold, and Robert Lewis, and sister Vida Branham. Her precious grandson, Jeff Scheirman, will be waiting to welcome his grandmother into Heaven, too.
Surviving are her daughter, Jeannie (Joe) Scheirman of Mt. Pleasant, SC, son, James Rutledge of Chas., WV; Grandchildren- Mark Rutledge, Jennifer (Dave) Mason of Mt. Pleasant, Jo Ellen (Jay) Carpenter, Matthew Rutledge, Kortnie Workman, and Kristine Lovejoy of Chas.; Great-grandchildren-Jeffrey, Caitlin, and Caleb Mason, Dolen, Nathan, and Lawton Rutledge of Mount Pleasant, Jaylen Carpenter, Liam, and Aubree of Chas., daughter-in-law, Sally Rutledge of Mt. Pleasant, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, May 5, 2015at 11A.M. at Wilson Funeral Home 420 Lee St. West Charleston with Pastor Frank Thomas officiating. Burial will follow at Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans.
Visitation will be Monday, May 4, 2015 from 5:30-8:00P.M.
The online guestbook may be accessed at www.wilsonfuneralandcremation.com
Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pastor Frank Thomas will be officiating at the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5 Entries
May 6, 2015
Leonard Kelley
Hi Jeannie & Family,
Sorry for your loss. We offer the following prayer and hope it brings some comfort.
Old Irish Prayer
In Time of Sorrow
May you see God's light on the path ahead
When the road you walk is dark.
May you always hear,
Even in your hour of sorrow,
The gentle singing of the lark.
When times are hard may hardness
Not turn your heart to stone,
And may you always remember
You do not walk alone.
Author Unknown
Leonard & Patty
May 6, 2015
Jeff lewis
I love you Aunt Phyliss
May 5, 2015
I worked with Phyllis years ago, she was a dear friend, wonderful lady and a fine representative of Kanawha County and The State of West Virginia.
Bob Anderson
May 4, 2015
Jackie Andrews
Jeannie and Jim,
Your mom was one of the most influential people in my life. She gave me a job as a favor to Vida when I couldn't find a job. She took me under her wing and taught me so much and those lessons have been the foundation of next chapter in my life; I am studying criminal justice. We not only had an employer/employee relationship, we had a friendship. We hung wallpaper together, went to the movies, and went to conventions together. I even learned how to use a drill so I could hang a belt rack in her closet. Occasionally we got into trouble together. And she was there when I just needed to have a good cry and when I needed someone to laugh with.
Your mom was an awesome lady who touched the hearts of a lot of people. God blessed you when He made her your mommy. My prayers are with you as you grieve your loss. But one day, God will reunite you and she will be there to welcome you through the gate. And in her demanding way, she will escort you to the corner of Heaven she has picked out.
I love you guys!
Jackie Andrews
May 4, 2015
John Womack
Phyllis, you will be long remembered and long missed. You were a roll model and mentor for many.
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