Patricia Wilson Rutledge, age 85, of Asheville, passed away January 3rd, 2022 at Haywood House in Canton, NC.
Pat was born May 21st, 1936 in Asheville, North Carolina to the late Maphrie (née Riddle) and Ben Wilson and grew up in the Jacks Creek community of Burnsville, NC.
She attended Clearmont High School and later Mars Hill College, where she studied business. After college, she worked for the United States Postal Service, Internal Revenue Service, and in later years, as a legal secretary for a local law firm.
Pat was a strong, independent woman who raised two wonderful sons as a single mother in the 1960s — when this was not the norm.
She was a master bridge player who also enjoyed traveling and spending valuable time with her grandchildren.
An attentive grandmother, Pat was always ready to step in at a moment’s notice to keep her “jewels” (as she called her grandchildren).
Pat was active in her community and spent many hours volunteering with the Salvation Army and Reach for Recovery programs. She instilled this love of community service in her grandchildren.
Pat will be missed by family and friends, but her giving spirit will always be with us.
She is survived by son, Tom (Dee Dee) of Weaverville, North Carolina; son, Jeff (Tracy) of Asheville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Jessica of Denver, Colorado, Ben (Allison) of New York, New York, and Satchel of Nashville, Tennessee; and great-grandson, Maxwell.
Due to COVID-19, a private graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 6th, 2022. A memorial service for family and friends will be scheduled for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Haywood County Hospice at 13 Haywood Office Park, Suite 107, Waynesville, NC 28785 or to the Salvation Army.
Holcombe Brothers Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Rutledge family.
To send an online condolence please visit: www.holcombebrothersfuneralhome.com
