Carolyn Sue (Rapp) Rutledge passed away on October 26, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on March 21, 1941, Carolyn lived a life grounded in faith, service, laughter, and love. She was devoted to her church, passionate about guiding young people, a loyal sports fan, and a loving presence in the lives of her family, friends, and beloved dogs. She also dedicated many years to public service with the Scioto County Sheriff’s Department. Her generous heart, warm spirit, and wonderful sense of humor touched countless lives.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Rutledge; her beloved parents, Otley Mae and Ralph Raymond Christian Rapp Sr.; her siblings and their spouses, Sabrina Bernthold (Orville), Avanelle Sayre (Harold), Emma Rickman (Merrill), and Ralph “Boy” Rapp (Betty); her niece, Beverly (Rapp) Clark and nephew-in-law, Rich Fraley.
She is survived by her sister, Nancy Shepherd (Frank), and her nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own children: Harold “Bud” Sayre (Connie), Susan Shepherd, Deidra Johnson (Ross), Janice Fraley (Rich), Dale “Rick” Rickman, Beth Malone (Danny), and Jennifer Bicknell (Barry). Also surviving are her great-nieces and nephews: Chad Sayre (Alison), Jodi Sayre, Taylor Johnson (Lauren), Will Johnson (Laura), Jon Clark (Becky), Jeremy Clark (Cassie), Anna Whitt (Matt), Jesse Johnson (Amanda), Stephen Johnson (Corrina), Richie Fraley (Sarah), Justin Malone (Abbey), Katie Webster (Seph). She also leaves behind many great-great nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.
Although Carolyn was blessed with many friends throughout her life, Phyllis Thacker and Patricia Ciraso were among her most treasured. Their lifelong friendships were filled with laughter, lasting memories, and steadfast support, bringing comfort to Carolyn throughout the years.
A Life of Faith and Service
A devoted member of Oldtown Methodist Church, Carolyn faithfully served as Youth Leader, Sunday School Superintendent, and Choir Director. She especially loved teaching the teenage Sunday School class, where she taught young people a love for the Lord. Her influence reached far beyond the classroom, and the lives she touched through her faith and guidance remain part of her enduring legacy.
A Love of Sports and Community
Sports were a lifelong passion for Carolyn. She played for many years with the J.J. Blazer softball team, forming lasting friendships and making a positive impact on the young people who joined the team. Whether playing on the field or cheering from the sidelines, Carolyn enjoyed the camaraderie and excitement that sports brought into her life.
Her favorite teams were the Portsmouth West Senators and the Ohio State Buckeyes. It was not unusual to see Carolyn proudly wearing her Ohio State gear while watching the OSU basketball or football games. Her enthusiasm for her teams was just one more way she brought her spirited personality and love of life to those around her.
A Heart Full of Love for Dogs
Few things brought Carolyn more joy than her dogs. Throughout her life, she always had at least one dog in her home, and often two or three. Many were rescued from difficult circumstances and given something they may never have known before: a safe, loving home where they could spend the rest of their lives surrounded by care and affection.
Her beloved dogs who preceded her in death include Babe, Bear, Bubba, Butch, Freeway, Fritz, Lilly Belle, Lucy, Tootsie, Willie, and Willa Mae. She held special memories of Babe, who learned to join in the Ohio State “O-H, I-O” cheer, and Bear, whom she proudly considered her smartest dog.
Cooper, her surviving dog, is being cared for by her great-great-nephew, Jordan Sayre. Carolyn’s dogs were never simply pets. They were her babies, her companions, and members of her family. The love she gave them was as unconditional as the love they returned to her.
A Lasting Legacy of Love
Carolyn will be remembered for her deep faith, wonderful sense of humor, loving spirit, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to the people and animals she held dear. She had a special way of making others feel loved, and her life was a testament to the difference one caring person can make in a family, a church, and a community. She will be deeply missed.
Carolyn spent her final year at Heritage Point in New Boston, where the caring staff became like family. Her family is deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion, and love they showed Carolyn, and for the comfort and support they provided throughout this time.
Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Saturday, October 31, 2026 at Old Town Methodist Church in West Portsmouth with Pastor Pete Shaffer Officiating. Interment will be in Scioto Burial Park in McDermott. Friends may call at the church on Saturday starting at 12:00 PM Noon. Arrangements are under the direction of the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com.
In accordance with Carolyn’s wishes, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to either of the following:
- Oldtown Methodist Church
2325 Galena Pike
West Portsmouth, Ohio - Sierra’s Haven
80 Easter Drive
Portsmouth, Ohio 45662
