Shirley Bernita Mason Rutledge

Shirley Bernita Mason Rutledge, 90, of Tama, died peacefully on Saturday, August 29, 2015, at Premier Estates of Toledo under the care of Grinnell Regional Hospice. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama with Pastor Warren Riley officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers are,] Scott Nekola, Jason Nekola, Travis Hammond, Ryan Albertsen, Brandon Rutledge, Bubba Rutledge, Drew Clayton and Austin Clayton. Honorary Pallbearers are Norm Rutledge, Damien Behounek, Matthew Behounek, Kenny McAdoo, Jimmy Buckley, Richard Rutledge, Craig Mann, Dan Doyle, Marty McCoy, Randy Haughey and Amanda Albertsen.

Shirley was born on January 28, 1925, in Toledo, Iowa, the daughter of Earl and Hazel (Johnson) Mason.

Shirley attended country school, Howard No. 5, graduating from Toledo High in 1943.

She was united in marriage to John Rutledge on January 27, 1946, and dedicated her life to raising her children, Earl (Pam) Rutledge, Bernita (Damien) Behounek, Janet Stout, Karla (Steve) Nekola, Nancy Albertsen, Mark (Sheryl) Rutledge and Gail Rutledge.

Shirley provided childcare for many children in the community as well as her grandchildren, and enjoyed watching them grow up. She loved to cook a good meal for anyone who came by for supper, sit on the front porch to watch school kids across the street and traffic, and finish the week with a dance on Saturday night.

She is survived by her older brother, Wayne Mason; and her children and their families.

Shirley was beloved grandmother to Annette (Cole) Tegtmeier and Norm Rutledge; Damien and Matthew (Hannah) Behounek, and Ann (Patrick) Hampton; Eric Mathes and Robin (Lyle) Clayton, Randy (Dawn) Stout; Scott and Jason (Kelly) Nekola; Travis (Kristi) Hammond and Tanya (Anthony) Green, Ryan (Chantel) and Amanda Albertsen; Andrea and Brandon (Megan Brittain) Rutledge.

She was great-grandmother to Kaylea, Nolan and Jayden Tegtmeier; Madison Behounek, Hayden, Brycen and Ginny Hampton; Skyler, Drew, Erin and Austin Clayton; Kaitlyn, McKenna, Nash and Kyler Nekola; Whitney Green and Emily Hammond; Cristiano Hammond, Denzil, Lily and Maelea Green; Carson and Aspen Albertsen; and Riley, Bubba and Lila Rutledge. She was great-great grandmother to Audrey Gray. In addition, she was aunt and great-aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Wanda Schoon; and infant brother, Gerald; her son-in-law, Dale Stout; and her grandson, Eric Mathes.

A memorial fund has been established.