Mary Ann Rutledge

Mary Ann Rutledge, age 93, a cherished resident of Sterling Heights, Michigan, peacefully passed away on August 16, 2025. She will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife, nurturing mother, proud grandmother, and an inspiring artist.

Mary Ann has been reunited with her beloved husband, Dr. Eugene Rutledge, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and devotion. She is survived by her cherished daughters, Anne (Steven) Benson and Marie (Kim) Koster; her loving grandchildren, Jim (Dani) Debusman, Samantha (Luis) Burke, Alexander Bengsch, and Bonham, Cash, and Jett Pulcifer; as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Scot Shippy, Luis Chavez, Parker, Ella, and Cameron Debusman. Mary Ann held a special place in her heart for her extended family and friends, whose love and presence brought her immeasurable joy throughout her life.

From an early age, Mary Ann was a gifted and passionate artist, beginning her creative journey in the 7th grade. Her artistic spirit flourished as she mastered nearly every medium, from painting to woodworking, ceramics, and sculpture. Her lifelong passion for art truly blossomed after the age of 70 when she started exhibiting her work regularly. Retiring from a fulfilling career in Dental Hygiene, she enrolled at the College for Creative Studies and Macomb Community College, enthusiastically embracing every art class she could find. Her later years were marked by the creation of large-scale sculptures in materials such as bronze, wood, ceramic, glass, and cement, showcased in various juried art shows throughout Michigan, including prestigious venues like the Lawrence Gallery, Ellen Kayrod Gallery and the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum.

Mary Ann’s contributions to the art community were celebrated through numerous Art Galleries, Regional Exhibitions, and Art Prize to name a few. She was featured in the Hannan Center 70 Over Seventy Chapter Awards along with nationally recognized artists. Her art touched the hearts of many and left an enduring legacy of beauty and inspiration.

In her loving memory, Mary Ann will be celebrated for her unwavering love for her family, her gentle spirit, and the kindness she extended to all. She was always ready for “what was around the next corner,” embodying an open heart and a welcoming smile.

Funeral services will be held at St. Michael’s Church on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation prior to the service starting at 10:30 AM. Flowers can be delivered to the church after 8:00 AM on Saturday, or Friday no later than 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Art Department at Macomb Community College in honor of Mary Ann’s enduring passion for art and education (https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form?svcid=renxt&formId=d69ded81-52b7-4410-b994-512cea1972c9&envid=p-9CNnlDYtBESNflkjC4d2qA&zone=usa).

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