FLORENCE EDNA RUTLEDGE (CRABBE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

FLORENCE EDNA RUTLEDGE (nee CRABBE) Florence, formerly of Neepawa, MB, peacefully passed away at the Surrey Memorial Hospital in Vancouver, BC, on Monday, December 20, 2004. Florence was born in Neepawa on August 21, 1908, the second child of Samuel and Elizabeth Crabbe. She received her education at Stoney Creek and Neepawa schools and later completed a course in bookkeeping at Brandon. Florence did not immediately use this course, as she was needed at home on the Crabbe farm. In 1929, Florence married Herb Rutledge. They had a happy married life until Herb's untimely death in 1948 at the age of 42. Later that year, Lyle Hulme and Florence formed a partnership to buy Rutledge Garage, a partnership that lasted into the 70s. Florence was predeceased by her parents, as well as her three sisters, Mary Hulme, Esther Crabbe and Edith North. Florence's two brothers, George and Arthur Crabbe, also died prior to Florence's passing. Left to mourn her death and to cherish fond memories of Florence are her two daughters, Shirley Brown (Don) of Port Moody, BC, and Joyce Dixon (Bill) of Winnipeg; a special granddaughter Lyndsey Marchand (Greg) of Coquitlam, BC; and sisters-in-law, Greta Patterson and Kaye Crabbe of Neepawa. Florence also left behind very special nieces, nephews and friends. Family and friends were so important to Florence. She liked to travel and made many trips to Vancouver, Pelican Lake, Clear Lake and Kerr Lake where she and her sister Esther enjoyed the hospitality of Mary and Lyle Hulme. She also went on trips to Mesa, AZ, to Montreal with Joyce to enjoy Expo, and with Bill and Joyce to Great Britain and the Continent; however, she was always happy to return home - and home was Neepawa. After her retirement, she volunteered (with friend Velma Johnson) to drive for Meals on Wheels. Florence played in three different bridge clubs, bowled in a mixed bowling league for many years, and really enjoyed coffeeing with her many friends. Florence also enjoyed doing embroidery, and Shirley and Joyce have many pictures and articles made by her, which now adorn their homes. In the late 90s, Florence moved to Coquitlam where she resided at Parkwood Manor. When she needed extra care, she was moved to 1131 Dufferin, a personal care home also in Coquitlam and close to her daughter Shirley who visited often. Florence was cremated, according to her wishes, in Vancouver where her immediate family attended a memorial to her life. There will be a graveside service at Riverside Cemetery in Neepawa. The date of the service and the interment will be announced later. Arrangements will be made by White's Funeral Home in Neepawa. If friends wish, donations may be made in Florence's memory to Canadian Porphyria Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1206, 487 Walker Ave., Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0. Following is a last message to Florence from her two daughters: Until we meet again May the Lord hold you in the hollow of His hand.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2005