Lena Mae Rutledge was born on June 29,1949, at Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Elvis Zeno Harris and Iona Mae (Davis) Harris. She passed away on September 12, 2026, at Mercy St. Francis Hospital, Mountain View, Missouri.

Lena was united in marriage to William John Rutledge on April 13, 1967, in Mountain View, Missouri.

She is survived by her three sons, Willie Rutledge, Michael Don Rutledge (Janet), and Elvis Ozene Rutledge all of Birch Tree, MO; two bonus children, Carol Mendehall of Mountain View, MO and Tyler Landis of Harris, MO; brother, Leonard Harris of Rolla, MO; grandchildren, Dustin Rutledge (Holli) of Birch Tree, Samantha Rutledge (Ryan) of Winona, MO, Corey Rutledge (Devay) of Mountain View, MO, Sage Smith, Emilee Rutledge, Jackson McClenton, Levi Mendenhall, Flynn Landis, and Fiona Landis; seven great-grandchildren with one on the way; and a host of family, friends, nieces, and nephews. She considered everyone family.

Lena is preceded in death by her parents, three sisters-in-law, and one brother-in-law.

She worked at the shoe factory for many years, and she also help Will and the boys haul cord wood and blocks. Lena was a stay-at-home mom, who was a very loving mother. She enjoyed having dinners and spending time with family. In her younger years she loved to go camping and floating.

A family-guided memorial service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Oak Forest Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Birch Tree, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.