Nahoma Dale Cooley Rutledge passed away September 4, 2012 at the age of 91. She was born October 23, 1920 to John William and Harriett Genevra Cooley in New Hope, Texas. Nahoma was the youngest of six children.
After graduating high school with honors, she attended Business College before marrying J.C. Rutledge, her devoted husband of almost 68 years. Nahoma was active at Lakeside Baptist Church for 30 years. She taught beginners and sang in the choir. She was a self-taught pianist and organist, with a lovely alto voice. After her three children were in school, she taught kindergarten, raised and showed Shetland Sheep Dogs (Shelties) with her husband. They won many blue ribbons. An excellent seamstress, she designed and sewed beautiful dresses for her daughters and shirts for her husband and son. An accomplished cook, she baked holiday cakes, wonderful fruit and vegetable dishes from her orchard and large garden. Each grandchild and great-grandchild received hand crocheted or knitted blankets. She was a loving wife, diligent mother, caring grandmother and great-grandmother, encouraging teacher, and knowledgeable Sheltie show dog breeder.
Nahoma is survived by her children, Joan (Wayne) Phillips of Wichita, Kansas, Annette (Cliff) Slackney of Rockwall, Texas, Gregory (Paula) Rutledge of Baytown, Texas; grandchildren, Marcus and Jeremy Phillips, Alisha Phillips Bond Rich, Jason Slackney, and Laura Slackney Fought; 15 great-grandchildren that include Alexandra, Isabella, Christian, and Jamison Bond, Caroline, Charlie, Kate, Olivia and Andrew Phillips, Randolph Fought, Alexander and Grant Slackney, Lynn, Kurt and Maggie Rich.
She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Roxie Speck, Mildred Wiley, and Janice Moore; brothers, Waldron and Clifford Cooley.
A funeral service will be held 9:30 a.m., Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Restland Abbey Chapel in Dallas, Texas. Interment is to follow at Restland Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a visitation Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas.
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