Harold "Levi" Alvin Rutledge, 81, of Woodward, passed from this life on April 1, 2015. Levi was born to Henry and Tina Rutledge in Woodward on June 4, 1933. He was reared and educated in Woodward schools, graduating with the class of 1952. After graduation Levi joined the Army, serving with honor from July of 1953 to June of 1955, before transferring to Army Reserve at Tinker Air Force Base. On June 29, 1955, Levi married the love of his life, Shirley Ann (Herman) in Laverne, OK. To this union, three children Jackie, Johnny, and Jesse were born.
Levi was a true cowboy through and through. He would often joke that he should have been born 100 years earlier. He worked as a farrier (horseshoeing), blacksmith, craftsman artist in blacksmithing, and cowboy storyteller (when he wasn't busy with his own farm/ranch). Levi attended the 1000 Hills Ranch "Cowboy" Church. He was also a member of the Saltfork Craftsman Artist Blacksmith Association, The Cowboy Storyteller Association of the Western Plains, The Cimarron Cowboy Association, Tri-State Professional Horseshoer's Association, Kansas Farrier's Association, Oklahoma Farrier's Association, Texas Farrier's Association, Brotherhood of Working Farrier's Association, and a Master Farrier.
In addition to his parents, Levi was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Ann Rutledge, daughter, Jackie Lynn Rutledge, granddaughter Jaclyn Rutledge, great grandchildren Victoria Knisley, Michael Knisley, and Joseph Knisley, and two brothers, Henry Jr. and Billy Rutledge.
Survivors include Levi's two sons, Johnny Lee Rutledge of Newton, KS, and Jesse Lane Rutledge and wife Billie of Turpin, OK; two grandchildren, Brandy Hunter of Cheyenne, OK, and Jodi Rutledge of Wichita, KS, great grandchildren, James Rutledge, Isabell Flores, Gabriel Flores, Penny Knisley, Abby Knisley, Addy Porter, and soon to arrive Elisha Levi Hunter, eight brothers Albert, Leroy, Bernie, Herbie, Louis, James, Jakie, and Ralph Rutledge, two aunts, Ruby Trent and Mary Dean, and numerous, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 6, 2015 at the Woodward Livestock Auction Building (900 Lakeview Dr) with Pastor Beau Hague of 1000 Hills Ranch Church presiding. The family of Levi Rutledge has entrusted his care, services, and burial to Bart Watkins and the Staff of Shaw Funeral Home.

Visitation:

Friday ~ 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday ~ 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Shaw Funeral Home of Vici