Erma "Win" Rutledge

HAMILTON - Erma Erwina "Win", "Winnie" Heydt Rutledge, 84, of Hamilton passed away Thursday, January 21, 2010 at the Marcus Daly Hospice and Palliative Care Center. She was born July 16, 1925 in Geraldine, MT, the daughter of the late Erwin and Delight (Perrin) Heydt. Win was raised on the family ranch and graduated from Geraldine High School.

After high school, Win traveled to Washington, DC and worked for the U.S. Maritime Commission during WWII. She returned to Great Falls, MT and worked as a clerk/accountant for a building supply company.

Win met her husband to be, Les Rutledge, at a Farmer's Union Convention in Great Falls. They were married on September 4, 1949. Les and Win moved to Salt Lake City, Utah and later to Ann Arbor, Michigan where Les was a member of the faculty at the University of Michigan.

Win was an accomplished weaver and tapestry designer and her creations appeared in numerous shows. She had a strong appreciation for art in various forms and taught weaving and design. She was also a licensed pilot and skilled amateur sports car driver. Win was an adventurous sort, enjoyed traveling and lived briefly in Stockholm, Sweden. Through all of life's challenges, Win had a remarkable calmness appreciated by many.

The couple retired to Stevensville, MT where Win became involved with the League of Women Voters and the Weaver's Guild.

Win was preceded in death by her sister Hilda Mae Meyer. She is survived by her husband Les, daughter, Darlene Rutledge, grandchildren James Semans, Jeni (Mick) Leary, great grandson, Chris Semans; sister Wilma (Tal) Corder, nephews Roger (Lucinda) Corder, Floyd (Lois) Corder, David (Betty) Corder and Tyler (Marsha) Corder; nieces Janet Meyer, Julie (Joe) Garrity, Janie (Tom) O'Neil and nephew James (Holly) Meyer; sister-in-law Ruth (Angus) Merrill, nephews Alan (Lorrie) Merrill and Ralph Merrill, niece Susan (Robert) Sharpe; and numerous grand-nephews and nieces.



Memorials can be made to the Marcus Daly Hospice and Palliative Care Center, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT 59840.