[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 106 (Thursday, July 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1028]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF GERALDINE SIMMONS RUTLEDGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2015

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor 
the life of Mrs. Geraldine Rutledge. Known affectionately as ``Gerri'' 
to her friends and family, she was born on April 8, 1945, and passed 
peacefully on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at her home surrounded by her 
family and friends.
  Mrs. Rutledge received her formal education in the Ecorse Public 
School system in Ecorse, Michigan. She continued her higher education 
at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned 
an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. She later received a 
graduate degree from Eastern Michigan University. Her teaching career 
spanned more than thirty years in the Willow Run Community Schools, and 
she retired in 2000 from Henry Ford Elementary School. During her 
tenure, she was an active member of the Michigan Education Association, 
served two consecutive terms as President of the local union, and 
touched the lives of countless children.
  On Christmas Eve, 1967, she married her college sweetheart, State 
Representative David Rutledge, a dear friend of mine. They are the 
loving parents of Felicia and Marcus and together, they supported each 
other's endeavors in business and public service.
  As an active member of the community, Mrs. Rutledge was a faithful 
member of the Second Baptist Church of Ypsilanti. She continually 
worked to strengthen her relationship with God through biblical studies 
and church attendance. She was also an active member of the Red Hat 
Society, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor the life 
and memory of Mrs. Geraldine Rutledge. She lived a life worthy of 
recognition. As she makes her way to her heavenly home, may her family 
and friends take comfort in the memory of the love she shared and the 
contributions she made to her community.

                          ____________________