Imogene "Jean" Rutledge

Rutledge, Imogene "Jean" (Austin) - age 93 of Burton, went to be with the Lord on November 1, 2026. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a private celebration of her life will be held. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jean to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.Wounded Warrior Project) or the Tunnel To Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org).

Imogene was born on February 14, 1933 in Bloomington, Indiana to the late Harry Oscar and Mettie Mary Lou (Houston) Cooper. She was an honors student and active in the theater. Imogene was a Indian Princesses and Pioneer Girls camp counselor. She enjoyed bird watching, gardening and spending time with family. Euchre was her favorite card game and she hosted many lively games with friends and family in her home. Imogene had a passion for caring for those in need, especially as an "adopted" second mother to friends of her children.

Surviving are her children, Donald Austin, Jr. of St. Clair Shores, Sheryl Karas of Flint Township, April (Richard) Morey of Manvel, TX, Jeffrey (Lori) Austin of Burton; step-children, Marsha Rutledge of Tucson, AZ and Susan (Bill) Pardee of Tempe, AZ; grandchildren, Peter (Leah) Austin, Elizabeth (Joseph) Moore, Rachel (Zach) Cohen, Matthew Karas, Richard (Candice) Morey, Derek (Alexandra) Morey, Joshua Austin, Jeremy Austin, Amanda (James) Bennet, Isaac Goldstein, Billy (Danielle) Pardee, James Pardee, Kim Pardee; great-grandchildren, Alexa and Jack Austin, Layla and Owen Moore, Eli Cohen, Darius and Aurelia Morey, Mara Jean and Lillian Bennet, Sydney and Skylar Pardee, Allison and James Pardee; also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Rutledge; her parents; her children's father, Donald Austin, Sr.; step-son, Steve Rutledge; grandson, Joshua Pardee; brothers, Eugene Stoute, Dale Cooper, Leon Cooper, Levon Cooper; son-in-law, Mitch Karas; and daughter-in-law, Denise Dalrymple-Austin.

Online condolences and tributes may be shared on Jean's obituary at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com