Sandra Holland Rutledge

Sandra Holland Rutledge , age 79, returned to her heavenly home May 5th, 2023. Sandra was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Rutledge, her parents, and nine brothers and sisters. She is survived by her daughter, Cassandra Rutledge Newsom of Homewood AL, her son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Kim Rutledge of Sallis MS, her brother, Rick Holland of Tampa FL, and her sister Sarah Wright of Bartlett TN. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Spencer and Savannah Rutledge of Sallis MS, Bailey and Hallie Rutledge of Wilson AR, Laura Kathryn Rutledge and fiancé Campbell Taylor of Starkville MS, Wilkes Rutledge of Sallis MS, and one great granddaughter, Payton Rae Rutledge of Sallis MS.

Sandra was one of twelve children born to Ocie and Pauline Holland on December 10, 1943 in Clarkson MS. She graduated from Cumberland High School and then attended Mississippi State University, where she met the love of her life and husband of 50 years, Ray, at the Baptist Student Union. She obtained her master’s degree in K-12 Education and taught as a reading specialist for 30 years. Ray and Sandra moved to Kosciusko in 1968, where she developed both advanced and remedial reading programs in the Kosciusko Public School system. Sandra was a talented and creative teacher who infused her lessons with art and hands on activities to engage and motivate her students. She famously had her students to churn butter for a pancake party, make a quilt about story characters, and put on plays to bring books about the frontier to life. Sandra was a faithful servant of her church, First Baptist Church of Kosciusko. With her husband Ray, she led the Adult 8 Sunday School class for over 45 years. She was actively involved ministries of the church, including Love Mission, Women’s Missionary Union, Mission Friends for children, Vacation Bible School, Living Water International and many others. She visited and cooked thousands of meals for the sick and the bereaved, and she rarely missed a celebration of new life, such as births and weddings. She will always be remembered by her family and friends as humble, compassionate, loving, selfless, and above all, a devoted woman of God. Her love for Christ was followed closely by her love for her family, especially her grandchildren. Her greatest joy was having all of family and friends together in one place. This resulted in frequent, large family gatherings and themed parties, filled with laughter, good food and memories we will all cherish.

Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, May 9th, Jordan Funeral Home, from 5 to 7:30. A celebration of her life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 10th, at First Baptist Church, Kosciusko. A family graveside service will be held at Parkway Cemetery following the services. Reverend Mark Parnell will officiate. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend. The family would like to thank her church family for ongoing prayers and support. Memorials can be made to any mission or outreach program of First Baptist Church Kosciusko . https://fbckosciusko.com/give or Living Water International . https://fundraise.water.cc/fundraiser/4675637?is_new=true