Thomas M. Rutledge

        Thomas Maurice Rutledge, age 81, formerly of Flint, MI, died on September 12, 2019 in Grand Rapids, MI.  The family will receive friends on Monday September 16th from 5:00 – 7:00pm at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, with a Scripture Celebration at 7:00pm.  A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday September 17th at 10am at the Dominican Center at Marywood Chapel, 2025 Fulton St. E, Grand Rapids with Fr. John Klein officiating.  Burial of cremains will immediately follow at Graceland Memorial Park, 4341 Cascade Rd. N.E., Grand Rapids.

          Tom was born in Detroit to Thomas J. and Margaret (Krass) Rutledge.  Following high school, he entered the Passionist seminary and was ordained a priest.  After 3 years, he chose an alternate life path and completed his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Michigan State University.  He was Department Head of Behavioral Services at Mott Children’s Health Center in Flint for 20 years.  He influenced many lives for the better through his compassion and expertise over 45 years of service to hundreds of children and families in Genesee and Kent counties.

          Tom was unfailingly devoted to and grateful for his family.  He and Carolyn (Norton) married in 1971 and shared 48 fun and loving years together.  She, his daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren were truly the joys of his life.  He was so very proud of each of them.  Tom’s life was enriched by special times and travels with close friends, family, and his Passionist brothers; and by the thoughtfulness and support of so very many caring people.  He had a deep and abiding faith, encouraged optimism and resilience, treated everyone with respect and kindness, and never missed a chance to tell a joke. 

          Tom’s (“Moe” to his siblings) memory is cherished and celebrated by his wife Carolyn; daughters Sarah (Matthew) Cavanaugh and Margaret (Joshua) Keys; grandchildren Lucy and Thomas Cavanaugh and Leopold Keys; brothers Alvin (Catherine) Rutledge and Edward (Denice) Rutledge; sister Norine (late Paul) Cusick; sister-in-law Katherine Norton; as well as many other dear relatives, friends and co-workers.  He was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Thomas James (late Bette), Philip (late Rose), James (late Catherine), John (Mary Ann), Sr. Margaret Thomas, O.P., and Florence (Frank) Piscopink.

          Tom was a true friend to any child in need.  In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation in Tom’s name to a children’s charity of choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas M. Rutledge, please visit our floral store.