Donna L. Rutledge, age 71 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Community Parkview Care Center surrounded by her family following an extended illness.  She was born on August 1, 1946 in Elwood, the daughter of Francis E. and Mary L. (Baker) Gerard.  Donna was a homemaker all of her life, and had previously worked in food service for many years.  She attended Elwood schools with the class of 1965, and was proud to have received her GED from Elwood High School.  She also later obtained training in dietary programs, and had been employed with nursing facilities in dietary services in Arkansas, and Elwood at Community Parkview Care Center.  She also formerly worked at Mangas Cafeteria in Elwood for many years.  She married Elmer A. Rutledge June 13, 1968, and they shared over 33 years of marriage together.  Donna formerly was a member of Lighthouse Chapel Church in Elwood, and loved gospel music.  She enjoyed watching all types of racing events, cooking, working on adult coloring books, and formerly going on camping trips.  She especially liked joining in the gospel singing programs at Community Parkview Care Center on Saturday evenings.  One of her greatest joys was watching "Days of our Lives" every day for many years.  More than anything, the highlight of her life was spending time with her family and babysitting & caring for children.

Donna's family includes 2 sisters, Diana Goldsberry of Newburg, IN, and Joan Ellis of Noblesville; 3 brothers, Francis "Frank" Gerard, David Gerard, and Rick (wife Angie) Gerard, all of Elwood; numerous much-loved nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews; and many cousins.  Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband Elmer Rutledge in 2001; 3 sisters, Vicki Phelps, Karen Gerard, and Patty Riley; sister-in-law Jean Gerard; and a nephew, Billy Phelps.

A funeral service celebrating Donna's life will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Stan Alvey officiating.  Burial will follow in Knox Chapel Cemetery in Fairmount.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Community Parkview Care Center Activity Fund through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.