Darlene Stoops Rutledge

Darlene Stoops Rutledge, 86, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Darlene was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and Nan to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a perpetual homemaker and had a passion for feeding everyone. Darlene was skilled in the kitchen and was especially remembered for her meatloaf. She enjoyed BINGO, Bunco and the boat. While she was lucky in those endeavors, her greatest fortune was in her husband and family. Darlene was a lifelong member of Eastwood Methodist Church where her faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an avid UofL sports fan and enjoyed watching basketball, football, and any ladies college softball. Darlene will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her, or tasting her meatloaf.

She was born on August 23, 1939 in Shelbyville, Kentucky to Clarence and Lucille (Hedges) Stoops. She is preceded in death by her father, Clarence S. Stoops; mother, Lucille Stoops; brothers, Donald I. Stoops, Michael Stoops, Jim Stoops; sisters, Norris Stoops; and Barbara McGill.

Darlene is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Beckham Ray Rutledge; daughter, Tammy (Richard) Holloway; sons, Philip R. (Tamara) Rutledge, Kevin R (Nikki) Rutledge; grandchildren, Tyler R. (Kristin) Wagner, Hunter A. (Sarah) Wagner, Madison (Dylan) Krull, Nash (Ashley ) Rutledge, Cooper Rutledge; brother, Gary E (Farrah Lee) Stoops; six great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended family and friends to cherish her loving memory forever.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 27, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, East Louisville Chapel, 235 Juneau Drive. Visitation will resume on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.. Her Funeral Service will be at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, East Louisville Chapel with burial to follow at Eastwood Cemetery in Middletown, Kentucky.

The family requests that contributions in Darlene’s memory be made to The Methodist Children's Home in Nicholasville.

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