Loretta Rutledge

Loretta Jean Pittman Rutledge, 78, of Rising Star TX, died peacefully February 11, 2025, surrounded by love with her husband of 59 years by her side. Loretta was born on March 9, 1946 in Gorman, TX and grew up in Rising Star. She graduated from Rising Star High School in 1964 where she was on the girls Basketball team, Homecoming Queen, a Cheerleader, football Sweetheart 3 years in a row, and voted Most Popular girl alongside her Most Popular boy classmate and sweetheart, Jimmy Rutledge. She worked part time at the Palace Drug Store and was loved by the community.

After graduation, Loretta and Jim were married in 1965 and moved to Carrolton, TX. They returned to Rising Star in 1966 and later moved to Abilene, where they raised 3 boys, Jimmy Dale Jr, Chirstopher Shawn and Jeffery Chad.

Over the years she worked in a variety of fields including bookkeeping, managing and owning a landscaping business, and was an EKG technician at Abilene Regional Hospital.

Loretta always enjoyed family Christmases and holiday gatherings, baking for her family, trips to see the Texas Rangers baseball games and shopping trips in Dallas. Later in life she retired and returned to Rising Star to care for her mother and was very close to her cousin, Carolyn Stover.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents, Norene Roberts Pittman and F.W. “Case” Pittman and brother Kenneth Pittman. She is survived by her husband, Jim Rutledge, children Jimmy Rutledge Jr. and wife Leslie, Shawn Rutledge, Chad Rutledge and wife Ashley, grandchildren Parker and Paige Rutledge, Brother Franz Pittman, Sister in law Sarah Pittman, Sister in law Becky Pittman, Brothers in law Jack Rutledge and Kenney Rutledge, Sister in law Gail Rutledge, and numerous family members, nieces, nephews and friends.

Loretta leaves a legacy of memories, a loving family and will be missed.