Robert Rutley

A memorial service for Robert Leon Rutley, 81, of Roswell will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home with Pastor John McLean of First United Methodist Church in Canyon, Texas officiating. Robert was born in Detroit, MI on December 28, 1928 to James Lindsey and Greta Rutley. His mother was a cement sculptor and he fell right in line, learning from her and creating his own. At the time of his passing, Robert was working on a 500 pound replica of his mother's Japanese lantern. Robert was a teacher to many and a student of life. He earned his sixth degree in Judo and dedicated himself to teaching martial arts for forty-five years. He was a "purist" and believed strongly in tradition. For him, martial arts were a way of life. He was a member of the largest Judo club in California during the 1970’s. It was not uncommon for you to see him practicing Tai Chi Chuan at Cahoon Park. Professionally, Robert worked as a an automotive design engineer in Michigan. He was on the team that designed the original Humvee. If you're driving a vehicle, chances are, he had something to do with the history of the design. Robert's persistence, discipline and humor among many other qualities set him apart from others. He believed in doing a job well and was a man of his word. It has been said that he "is one of a kind." He had great wit and incredible insight. He loved to talk and meet new people. He was a great storyteller and historian. He never doubted that he could do anything and he never hesitated to try something new. From the time he retired in his 60's, until the day he died, he taught himself as many things as he could including the guitar, knive-making, tai chi, and poetry. He was a dog lover. His steadfast companion, a german shorthair named Bergseiker was always by his side. Robert is survived by his wife, Patricia L. Rutley of Roswell; one sister Alana Chaney and her husband Richard O’Kelly of Tucson, AZ; two brothers: Ronny Chaney and wife Sharon of Chesterfield, MI, and Gary Chaney of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; one sister-in-law Shirley McKennan of Chesterfield, MI; four daughters: Jill Rutli of Lynchburg, VA, Kelly Walker of Charlotte, NC, Hilary Schubert (Thomas) of Ashburn, VA, and Kimberly Rutley of Albuquerque, NM; two sons: James Rutley and wife Michele of Carlsbad, NM, and Hugh Rutley of Kingsport, TN; eight grandchildren: Mina and Ellie Schubert, Casey, Hannah, and Pearl Rutley, Aidan Rutley, Gavin Garcia, and Hunter Garcia. Robert is preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Robert Leon Rutley Jr. and Mark Cameron Rutley. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Roswell Humane Society. Please take a moment to share your thoughts and memories with the family in the online register book at andersonbethany.com Care has been entrusted to Anderson-Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory.

Robert Rutley

December 28, 1928 - August 29, 2010