Person Page - 195

James and Elizabeth lived in Troy Township, in Iowa for several years before moving to the Avondale district in about 1906.¹³

88TH BIRTHDAY OF "GRANNY" RUTLEDGE IS CELEBRATED
     AVONDALE. -An unique birthday party was held on Friday at the home of Geo. Rutledge, of Avondale, in honor of his mother, who on that day celebrated her 88th birthday. Over 50 gathered to pay tribute to the high respect, esteem, and affection in which she is held as well as her family by the whole Avondale neighborhood. The party spent an enjoyable time singing her favorite hymns and in playing games. A beautiful cake, prettily decorated with 88 miniature candies, all lighted, was presented to Mrs. Rutledge by two little girls, followed by two little boys, who presented a tea tray, the gifts of her many friends, souvenirs of happy memories and appreciation. Rev. g. A. Harry, pastor of the Avondale United Church, offered the congratulations of the gathering and spoke eulogistically of the splendid contribution she had made tn the social and moral well-being if the community wherever she had been placed, and of the valuable services she had rendered the church. He expressed gratitude first for the inspiring life and character but also for the friendship and encouragement she and her late husband had shown to nil who had settled in Avondale. Refreshments were served by the hostess, Mrs. Geo. Rutledge.
     Mrs. Rutledge, with her late husband, migrated from Ontario in the early years of their married life, to lowa, U.S.A.. but returned to Canada 22 years ago and settled in the Avondale district, their son, George, having preceded them by two years. They were joined later by another so, the late Rev. Herbert Rutledge, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, who was given extended leave because of ill health. Another son, Edgar, resides today in Los Angeles,
     They were among the pioneer of this part of the West. Their first home was built of sod. but nevertheless quite a large and comfortable one, and the first church services held in this community were held in that original and characteristic home of pioneer days.
     Today George Rutledge is successfully farming eleven quarter sections here, and has sn up-to-date plant of machinery. He is a large and popular employer of labor and is maintaining the traditions of the family in making himself an asset to the Avondale church and community.
     Granny Rutledge, as she is affectionately called, is juistly proud of her family but in particular of her three grandchildren, James, Ann and Joyce.¹⁵

For over 20 years, the Rutledge family hosted birthday parties for "Granma" Rutledge. See the following links for reporting on several of the later celebrations:
- Her 89th birthday in 1929,
- Her 90th birthday in 1930,
- Her 91st birthday in 1931.^16,17

91 CANDLES FOR BIRTHDAY CAKE
     Annual Gathering at Avondale Honors Mrs. James Rutledge; Receives Gifts
     DELISLE -Between 80 and 100 people of the district, young and old, gathered at the home of George Rutledge, Avondale, on Monday to honor his mother, Mrs. James I. Rutledge, on the occasion of her 91st birthday. There were also present from Delisle, Rev. and Mis L. E. Berry, Dr. and Mis. A. K. Cameron, Mrs. A. M. Crofford, Mrs Henry Grosskleg and Lily Shields. For years Mrs. Rutledge's neighbors and friends from a wide area have thus come together to celebrate each succeeding birthday and to pay their tribute to one whose life and Influence have been a help and inspiration to all knowing her.
     The Avondale Women's Association had charge of the arrangements and after greetings and congratulations to their esteemed and aged friend from the guests, the following program was given, Rev. Lester Berry acting as chairman:
     Hymn and chairman's address, recitation, Mervin Summach; song by four girls; recitation, Grace Pilgram (sic); musical selection, Lilian Rousell, Ella Wellwood, Arthur Wellwood, Burton Rousell; song, Olive and Della Summach; speech. Dr. Cameron; recitation, Madeline Martin; song, Mrs. C. W. Crofford; dialogue, four gills; song, six girls; recitation, Lucille Gesy; song, Mrs Wellwood and Mr. Fisher, song, three girls; recitation, Esther Pilgram (sic); musical selection, presentations.
     The presentations consisted of a beautiful mahogany tray and dishes from the community and a bed tray from Dr. and Mrs. A. K. Cameron. Mrs. Rutledge, in a remarkable way for one so aged, rose and voiced her appreciation of the gifts and greetings and also spoke of some of the outstanding events and experiences of her long life. The four storey birthday cake, made by Mrs. James Smith, the ingredients provided by the Avondale W. A. , with its 91 candles was then lighted by the young folk and lit up the room without aid of other light. Refreshments were served.¹⁸

"GRANDiMA" RUTLEDGE, 91, OF AVONDALE, MOURNED BY MANY
DELISLE. --On Sunday Mrs. James I. Rutledge, of the Avondale district, passed away at the age of ninety-one, having been born at Plcton, Prince Edward County, Ont. Retaining the full use of all her faculties throughout her long life Grandma Rutledge, as she was lovingly called, was in many ways a remarkable woman, and one of sterling Chrlsyan character; a woman who always exercised a profound influence over young and old of the district since coming here in 1907.

Beginning when she was 70 years of age, a birthday party was held at her sons, George Rutledge, each year in her honor; the parties being unique in that the whole district, old and voung, were present, many taking 'part in the programs given, which were always of a distinctly religious character. The last celebration, on her 91st birthday, was memorable for the remarkable speech made by Grandma Rutledge, while standing, to the assembled guests; also for the birthday cake, lighted with its 91 candles.

The funeral took place on Wednesday, from the house of George Rutledge with whom she lived, to the Avondale cemetery. The service at the home was conducted by Rev. L. E. Berry of Delisle, who dwelt glowingly upon the beautiful Chris tian character and influence of the deceased. Her favorite hymns were also sung, one of them as a duet by Mesdames H. G. and W. G. Colborn, Mrs. J. Murdock of Zealandia, being the organist.

photo - MRS. J. I. RUTLEDGE

The - district was fully represented, with people from other parts of the province there to honor the memory of the deceased, a large gathering testifying to her place in their hearts. The pall bearers were: Walter Kirrnan, H. Gesy, A. Currie, A. Junop, F. Summack (sic), A. Summack (sic).
Grandma Rutledge leaves a brother, Thomas Welsh, of Fargo, N.D., four sisters, Miss Frances Welsh, of Edmonton, Mrs. A. L. Weir and Mrs. N. Lindsay, Irma, Alberta; Mrs. P. W. Currie, Goderich, Ont., two sons, George of Avondale and Edgar of Los Angeles and five grandchildren. A son, Herbert, minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, U. S. A., predeceased her some years ago, also a daughter. Mr. and Mrs. J. Murdock, of Zealandia, relatives of the deceased, were present at the service.

Floral tributes were sent by the United Church Ladles' Aid, Avondale; the Baptist Church Ladies Aid Avondale, the Woodlawn Homemakers; George, Eliza and Aunt Frances, the Grandchildren, the Crawford families, the Colborn family, Mr. and Mrs. A. Currie, Mr. and Mrs. Doeg, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Grubb, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Mohr and family, Mrs. E. Marriott and family of Saskatoon.¹¹