Carol G. Rutledge

Carol Genevieve (Brewer) Rutledge, age 94, of Adel, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Mercy West Hospital in West Des Moines, Iowa, on Friday, July 5, 2024. Memorial services will be 11 AM Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Adel United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends and family from 5 to 7 PM Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Adel.

Carol was born November 6th , 1929, in Early, IA, the second child of Dr. Cleaves Reitzell Brewer and Zaidee Stanford. She was raised and educated in Early. After graduating Early High School she attended Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music. She and John Perry Rutledge, also of Early, were married December 26th, 1950. They moved to York, NE in 1953, where they raised three children, and later moved to Adel in 1970.

Carol’s passion for music led to performing 18 years as violinist with the Des Moines Symphony. As an accomplished pianist, she taught for many years. Carol was a member of Adel United Methodist Church, accompanying services on the piano and singing tenor in the choir. After retiring from West Central Mental Health Center, she volunteered at the Adel Public Library and enjoyed studying Spanish at ADM High School. She and her best friend of over 50 years, Judy Forsman, enjoyed many escapades, as some Adel residents will no doubt remember.

Carol’s skills in wood carving resulted in a ribbon from the Iowa State Fair and many fine pieces that she enjoyed giving to friends and family. She was similarly adept at cooking, baking, and gardening. Her grandkids relished their holiday visits, including hot summer days when they enjoyed her infamous frozen dessert, the rock-hard “Buster Freeze”.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Reitzell and Zaidee, sister, Barbara Jean Cowles, of Jenks, OK, and dear friend, Judy Forsman, of Adel.

She is survived by her brother, Leon S. “Doc” Brewer, of St. Paul, MN; son, Scott, of Adel, and daughters Barbara (Ted) Raife, of Des Moines, IA, and Jean Couch of Kirkland, WA; grandchildren, Patrick (Brenda Trenter) Rutledge, Tim Rutledge, Thomas (Sabrina) Rutledge, Dan Marshall, George (Amy) Raife, John Raife, Annie (Katy Porte) Raife, Megan (Isaac) Sprague, and Michael (Ishea) Couch; and eight great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Adel United Methodist Church.