Barbara Ann Rutledge (nee Lehan) of Collinsville, IL, born September 1, 1938 in East St. Louis, IL, passed peacefully on Friday, August 30 at the age of 85.

Barbara was the product of East St. Louis Catholic schools – St. Joseph for elementary and St. Theresa's Academy for high school – her pencil-straight posture, handwriting, and, of course, hallmark class ring, are shared by many of her St. Theresa's classmates.

She never met a baby or dog who didn't love her, or a canned cinnamon roll she couldn't burn – a classic Christmas tradition. Her greatest accomplishments were the joys of her life – her kids and grandkids. She spent many of her weekends and retirement years cheering her grandkids in their numerous activities, taking family vacations to the beach and other destinations, celebrating birthdays and holidays, and just chit chatting on the phone.

She was considered a second mom by many – an open door and pitcher of Kool-aid for the neighborhood kids. She met everyone with a beautiful smile and a hug.

She is survived by her daughter Carolyn (David) Willmann of Frontenac; MO; daughter Kathy (Brian) Bretsch of Webster Groves, MO; daughter Sara (Jonathan) Musch of Glen Carbon, IL; and daughter-in-law Rachel Rutledge of Union, MO.

Known as Grandma, G-ma, Maw Maw and Mee Maw, she also is survived by the joys of her life – her grandchildren: Drew and Meg Willmann; Rob (Michelle) Rutledge; Laura (Tyler) Valdron (nee Bretsch) and Krista Bretsch; and Jack, Elena and Charlie Musch; her great grandchildren, Alice, Adam, Ryan, Micaela, and Luke; her brother Jerry (Clara) Lehan; sister, Kathy Jacobs; sister-in-law Dottie Raynes; and many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Isabelle (nee Needham) Lehan; her ex-husband, Bob Rutledge; her daughter Julia Rutledge; her son, Bob Rutledge; her brother, Mike Lehan; her sister, Judy Wegrzyn; and former partner, George Lebonick.

Memorial visitation will be 12 noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

Memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. officiated by Father Michael Haag. Burial will be in Mount Carmel Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials can be made in her honor to the Alzheimer's Association and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.