RUTLEDGE, Helen Bivin, 95, of Louisville, died Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at the Louisville Campus of the Masonic Homes of Kentucky, where she had been a resident since June 21, 2010. She was born in Muhlenberg County, KY and reared in Owensboro, KY.
She was a teacher in the Garrard County School System, worked as a legal secretary in Harrodsburg, KY, and owned and operated a gift shop in Nicholas County, KY. She is a member of Settle Memorial United Methodist Church, Owensboro, KY, a life member and Past Matron of Harrodsburg Chapter No. 309, Harrodsburg, KY and is Past Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter of Kentucky Order of the Eastern Star. She served as a member and President on the Board of the Eastern Star Home, Louisville, KY.
Helen was an avid genealogist. She was a member of the Kentucky Historical Society with her interest directed to her Bivin (Beavin) and Wells family. She documented the service of her maternal ggggrandfather, David Edwards, Jr. in the American Revolutionary War under the command of General George Washington in the famous battle of Trenton and other battles that led to the following winter at Valley Forge, PA. He was present at the surrender of Major General Charles Cornwallis and his British troops after the Siege of Yorktown, VA.
Her husband, Oakley Rutledge, her parents, Roscoe S. Bivin, Sr., and Virna Wells Bivin, four sisters, Wanda Tichenor (Harlan), Evelyn Nolting (Harold), Sylvia Hunter (Raymond), Shirley Stevens (Glendon) and a brother, Roscoe S. Bivin, Jr. (Peggy) preceded her in death.
Helen is survived by two foster daughters, Damie Lane Hance, Shelbyville, KY and Judy Lane Morris, Jackson, MS, six foster grandchildren and several foster great grandchildren. Her life was greatly enriched for many years by her nephew, William R. Tichenor, Simpsonville, KY and his wife, Jean, her great nieces, Susan Rudolph (Ken) of Louisville, KY, Jennifer Hesse (David) of Taylorsville, KY and Ann Tichenor of Louisville, KY. She is also survived by great nieces and nephews, Amanda McClain (JD) of Taylorsville, KY, Ben Hesse of Greely, CO, Allison Rudolph, Natalie Rudolph of Louisville, KY and great-great nephews, Boston McClain, Jake McClain and Maxwell McClain of Taylorsville, KY. A nephew, Glendon Stevens, and a great friend, Lloyd Holman made it possible for her to pursue her interest in genealogy research in her retirement years by keeping her supplied with computers, instructions, and repairs. A host of genealogy researchers also added a special dimension to her life.
The family wishes to express appreciation to the Masonic Home of Kentucky, Louisville Campus, and their staff for their care during the final years of her life. Additionally, the family would like to express their gratitude to Hosparus of Louisville for their support and the care they gave Helen while she was at Norton’s Pavilion.
Visitation is from 3pm-6pm Sunday, March 4, 2018, at Owen Funeral Home – Jeffersontown, 9318 Taylorsville Road and 9:30am-11am Monday, March 5, 2018, at the funeral home. Celebration of the life of Helen B. Rutledge will be 11am Monday, March 5, 2018, at the funeral home with burial in Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, Garrard County, Kentucky at 2:30pm, Monday, March 5, 2018. Rev. Thomas Grieb will be in charge of the services.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to the Masonic Homes of Kentucky, Masonic Home, KY, 40041.