Louise Rutledge, age 68, died peacefully on Saturday, November 24th after a lengthy struggle with cancer. Louise was born October 1st, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York - the only child of Irma (Gordon) and William F. Rahko. Louise and her family moved to Oak Park before her first birthday. She attended Hawthorne Elementary School and Oak Park River Forest High School before heading to Northern Illinois University. It was high school that laid the path for much of Louise's life. There she met her life-long love, Roger. They married in June of 1965 and had three children; Chad, Christine, and Amy. Family and friends were Louise's passion. She spent much of her younger years volunteering and spending time with her kids. But her friends were never far away. As she grew older travel became a favorite pastime she often enjoyed with friends old and new. Louise is also known for devouring books daily and spending countless hours in her gardens or with her dogs. Louise is survived by her husband of 47 years, Roger. Her sister-in-law Lynn Jones. Her children, Chad & Dorothy Rutledge, Christine & Paul Merrild, and Amy & Todd Copeland. She also leaves behind 7 grandchildren. Louise has requested a private funeral, however a memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Oak Park on Saturday Dec. 1st at 11 am. 820 Ontario Street - Oak Park, IL. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be sent in Louise's memory to the Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter at www.carecenter.org