Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Rutlin , Russell Lewis June 1, 2005 ********************************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/obits/obitsca/obitsca.htm ********************************************************** File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: K T bluewolf@onemain.com June 5, 2005, 4:46 pm The Bakersfield Californian Rutlin, Russell Lewis 1914 - 2005 Russell Lewis Rutlin Services: Tues., June 7, 10 a.m. Russell was born on a farm in Wyeville, Wisconsin, on May 22, 1914, to Jessie and Herman Rutlin. He passed away June 1, 2005, after a brief illness. His early years in Wyeville and the Adams/Friendship area of Wisconsin held many fond memories for Russ. One memory was at age 5 when his father took him to buy a Shetland pony that he named Mickey. He could hardly wait to ride him, but when he did, Mickey bumped him off almost immediately. He recalled it took much courage and quite some time to get back on. This is also where he gained his love of the outdoors with hunting and especially fishing. He could tell the tales of his many fishing and camping adventures for hours on end while no one seemed to mind hearing the stories just one more time. One of the highlights of his school years was being on the high school football team. Beginning in his first year his coach took a rag-tag team of local boys from the small farming community and developed them into a top-notch group of skilled players by the time he graduated. Russell married Wilma Spafford at age 21 and they had a son, Terry, in November of 1938. He was working for Standard Oil delivering gasoline to the local stations when he heard of a job in Chicago working for the railroad. He, along with his uncle, Red Grimshaw, and brother-in-law, Julian Albee, headed off to Chicago for the opportunity. They were hired on but after a few months they heard that the Santa Fe Railroad was hiring in Fresno. They packed up their families and belongings and it was off to California for the better weather. When they reached Barstow they were told that the railroad was hiring experienced men in Bakersfield. Russ signed on in Bakersfield May 9, 1942, where he worked as Conductor/Brakeman until his retirement in 1978. He had many lasting friendships and numerous exciting tales to share of his railroad years. In 1951, Russell was remarried to Frances Larson with whom he spent 53 wonderful years before her passing this last December. The year 1952 began with the birth of their daughter, Jeri Anne, in April. Russell had many interests. He was proud to be a 50-year member of Caledonia Masonic Lodge 486, Scottish Rite earning the 32nd Degree, Kern County Shrine Club, and Order of the Eastern Star. The Caledonia Lodge bestowed their highest honor upon him in June 1988, The Hiram Award for dedicated service. Finally, he was a 25-year member of The Al Malaikah Temple. He served for many years as the Secretary-Treasurer for the local United Transportation Union, an officer and Legislative Representative of NARVRE, as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Santa Fe Credit Union. He also carried the banner for the Hharris Marching Unit in the Annual Potato Bowl for many years, as well as parades throughout Kern County. He loved a good barbeque. It didnt matter what was cooking on the grill as long as his family, friends, and half of the neighborhood was there to enjoy it. He was always first to volunteer when asked for help. Quite the handyman, he had all the tools for jobs both big and small. He could carry a tune and loved singing along with his favorites such as Sinatra, Crosby and Dean Martin. He had a kind heart with always a good word to say about everyone. He also loved to garden. All Russell ever needed was a fishing pole, folding chair and cold beer. But all in all, his family was the biggest joy in life. Russell was preceded in death by his wife, Frances; sister and brother- in-law, Elaine and Julian Albee. He is survived by his brother, Bill Rutlind and wife Kathleen Rutlind of Rex, Georgia; son, Terry and daughter-in-law, Suzanne Rutlin of Arroyo Grande; daughter, Jeri Anne and son-in-law, Rob Ferree of Bakersfield; grandchildren, Holly and husband, Sean Machin of Petaluma, Eric and wife, Elizabeth Rutlin of Los Gatos, Erin and husband, Ray Thro of Belmont, Robbie Ferree and Patrick Ferree of Bakersfield; nephew, Charles and wife, Debra Albee of Bakersfield (thanks to Chuck and Debra for their frequent hospital visits and loving kindness given to Russ), John and wife, Sherri Albee of Sun City West, AZ; nieces, DAnn and husband, Brent Jones of Mableton, GA, and Charisse and husband, Chuck Wheeler of Powder Springs, GA. Visitation will be Monday, June 6, 2005, from Noon until 5:00 p.m., at Doughty-Calhoun-OMeara, 1100 Truxtun Avenue with services being held at the Masonic Caledonia Lodge, 718 Oregon Street, 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 7th. Legacy.com Published in the Bakersfield Californian on 6/5/2005. Additional Comments: Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased. http://www.legacy.com/bakersfield/LegacyHome.asp File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ca/kern/obits/rutlin7949gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/caobfiles/ File size: 5.4 Kb