Annemarie Rutledge, devoted mother, wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away at her home on December 14, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and the pets she loved, whose presence brought her comfort until the end.
Anne is survived by her daughters, Rebecca (Jimmie), Melissa (Jeff), Diana (Curtis); grandchildren, Kiana (Kyle), Benjamin, Addyson, Traeten; great-granddaughter, Keiko. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers: Roland, Louis (Laura), Juanita, Jean, Mike (Janet), and Patt, along with many nieces, nephews, pets, and friends.
Anne was preceded in death by her husband, James Rutledge; her parents, Hedy Dreilich-Sand and Hans Dreilich; her father and mother-in-law, Everett and Celia Rutledge; and her son-in-law, Jeff Streur.
Anne was a loving mother whose greatest happiness stemmed from quality time with her family. She found joy in being with her grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and children, making memories full of love and laughter. In her leisure time, she enjoyed coloring, gardening, listening to music as a lifelong Beatles fan, reading, and watching movies. She was also a talented artist with a vivid imagination. She had a passion for helping others and a compassionate heart for all God’s creatures.
Her passion for helping others shone in the spring of 2021 as she joined Fuzion Martial Arts, alongside her granddaughter. Soon after, she joined the ranks of the instructor team. Anne’s genuine smile, unmistakable snort laugh, and light-hearted spirit drew everyone in, making them feel welcome. She connected deeply with her students as she patiently navigated them through their training. Anne was a mentor, friend, and an inspiration to so many. Her grit and determination carried her to the coveted black belt, a milestone she earned through dedication and hard work. Her legacy endures in the lives she inspired and in the Fuzion spirit.
Always eager for new adventures, Anne joined a small group of pilgrims who walked 300 miles from Kansas to the shrine of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne in St. Charles, Missouri. Although every evening for 3 weeks was spent in a different place, Anne never met a stranger and left her light by experiencing the world as a safe and welcoming place.
Anne’s life was a beautiful celebration of love in action. She showed us through quiet generosity and open-hearted compassion that love is meant to be given freely, friendship is a sacred gift, and kindness is a calling. She found joy in family, children, pets, the natural world, and lived with a gentle faith that life’s greatest purpose is caring for one another. Like a cherished melody passed down through generations, her influence lives on in our hearts, shaping who we are and how we love. The song she lived is now part of our souls, and her spirit will continue to guide us with warmth, grace, and enduring love.
Visitation with family and friends will take place from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm on Saturday, December 20, at the Macatawa Golf Club Ballroom, 4600 Macatawa Legends Boulevard, Holland, MI. Annemarie’s Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow, with Rev. Andy Fiero officiating. Following the service, all are welcome to join the family for refreshments and a time to share memories.
The family expresses deep gratitude to the Corewell Health Hospice team for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.
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