HEATH SPRINGS ~ The beloved daughter of Max and Mary Ellen Rutledge - Carla Ruth Rutledge, age 57, born November 26, 1961 quietly passed away at her home Wednesday, September 18 surrounded by those she loved and who loved her deeply.

Carla is survived by her mother, Mary Ellen Rutledge; two sisters Beth Smith (Larry), Ginger Rutledge Cragan (Mark) and three brothers Mitchell Rutledge (Debbie), Maxie Rutledge and Lewis Rutledge. Her loving family also includes many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Maxwell Rutledge and canine companion Mollie.

Carla was best known for her kind heart, beautiful smile and bright eyes. She was determined and fearless. She competed in the 1981 International Winter Special Olympics in Stowe, Vermont where she won a gold medal for slalom and silver medal in downhill even though she had only skied one other time.  That's the kind of determination she had.  Carla loved planting flowers, needlepoint, crocheting, coloring, eating out, going to the beach and spending time with her family. Carla was a member of the Pleasant Hill and Oak Ridge ARP Churches.

Visitation will be held at Burgess Funeral Home Saturday, September 21 from 5:00-7:00PM.

Funeral service will be held at Oak Ridge ARP church on Sunday, September 22 at 3:00PM.

The family would like to say a SPECIAL thank you to Hospice of Lancaster, Home Care of Lancaster and ALS clinic of Charlotte.

Memorials can be made to Hospice of Lancaster, 901 W. Meeting St., Ste 201, Lancaster, SC 29720 or the ALS clinic of Charlotte, P.O. Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232-2861.