Surrounded by loved ones, and in her 94th year, Shirley Rutledge (née Brock) passed away peacefully at London Health Sciences Centre on Friday, June 10th, 2022. A proud native of Kirkton, Shirley was beloved by her parents Roy and Mary (Molly) Brock, as their only child, and her parents were instrumental in helping to launch her early dream of opening her own hair salon.
Despite suffering much loss in her life, Shirley always maintained a positive attitude and kind thoughts of others. Among her losses, she was predeceased by her devoted husband Bruce Rutledge (2005), beloved daughter Dianne Smith Kennedy (2015), and dear son Douglas Smith (1975).
Finding love the second time around, Shirley and Bruce were a dynamic duo, who enjoyed travel and entertaining friends. As a great and glamourous cook, and even better baker, with an award-winning apple pie, Shirley was always the epitome of a fine hostess.
Through a shared love of Jesse’s Journey, Shirley and Bruce became fond friends with Maureen Spencer Golovchenko and Philip Spencer, who in turn became Shirley’s advocates and surrogate family for the past seven years. Shirley’s later life was also enriched by special companion Ray Mask, and his extended family members Melissa Mask and Tina Chappell. Shirley will also be missed by loyal friend Murray Rutledge.
Following a lovely decade enjoying retirement living at Richmond Woods Retirement Home, Shirley moved to the Village of Glendale Crossing long term care home in 2019. Many thanks to the amazing staff teams at both homes for their joyful support of Shirley in so many ways.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at the Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday, June 18, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service and a luncheon following. Rev. Canon Dr. Kevin George will officiate. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Shirley are asked to consider Defeat Duchenne Canada defeatduchenne.ca (formerly Jesse’s Journey).
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Shirley Rutledge June 10 2022..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario