Patricia Rutledge
Patricia Anne Roberts Rutledge, age 87, died peacefully at The Foothills of Presbyterian
Communities of South Carolina in Easley, SC.
“Pat” was born May 18, 1937 at the University of Virginia Hospital, Charlottesville, VA. She
was raised in Schuyler, Va., by parents, Emmett Samuel Roberts and Myrtle Saunders Roberts.
She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Broaddus L. Rutledge II. She is survived by her dear
sister, Brenda Roberts Graham. She was the mother of Cynthia O’Donoghue (Martin), John
Rutledge (Betty Starr), and Scott Rutledge (Nancy). Pat was the proud grandmother to Taylor,
Peyton, Kathryn (Jack), Matthew, and William (Valentina). Pat had one great grandchild, Gisele.
Pat graduated as Valedictorian from Schuyler High School in 1954. She attended Mary
Washington University for her pre-requisite nursing credentials prior to entering the School of
Nursing at the University of Virginia, where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in
May 1959. Pat maintained a strong bond with her college nursing friends, affectionately named
“The Pearls.” Pat worked at the University of Virginia Hospital where she also served as an
instructor in the School of Nursing. One of Pat’s proud achievements was her 2009 recognition
as a 50-year member of the Thomas Jefferson Society of Alumni.
When the Rutledge family relocated to Clemson, SC in 1979, Pat continued her nursing career as
Director of In-Service Education at Oconee Memorial Hospital in Seneca, SC. Upon her
retirement in 1995, Pat provided adjunct teaching support to Tri County Technical College’s
nursing program.
Pat was engaged with her community serving as a committee member for Clemson Community
Center, a den mother for Cub Scouts, among other contributions. Pat was a member of Fort Hill
Presbyterian Church in Clemson. She was active in the Women’s Circle and served as Secretary
of the Circle and Women’s Council. She also volunteered as a welcomer for the Fort Hill
Greeting Office (FHOG).
In her free time, Pat enjoyed many traveling adventures with her church. She enjoyed knitting,
solitaire, and sudoku, but loved nothing more than a great book. She spent many fall weekends
preparing tailgates for family and friends attending the Clemson Tiger football games. However,
she was always a Virginia Cavalier and thus, a lifelong UVa basketball fan.
Pat greatly valued her family and friends. She made many cherished friendships in every place
she lived, including Charlottesville, VA, Danville, VA, and Clemson, SC.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to be made in Pat’s name to either Fort Hill
Presbyterian Church, Clemson, SC or The Foothills Retirement Community in Easley, SC. The
family is planning a private service and burial at Monticello Memory Gardens, Charlottesville,
VA.
The Rutledge family wishes to express their appreciation to both Robinson Funeral Home of
Easley, SC and Teague Funeral Services of Charlottesville, VA. Online condolences may be
shared with the family by visiting either website.