Susan Eileen (Specht) Rutledge, 73, passed away at the UW Medical Hospital Northwest in Seattle, WA on February 7th, 2026 after an extended battle with cancer. Susan was born on March 30th, 1952 in Olympia, WA.

Her life was characterized by her devotion to family, especially her granddaughters. She loved photography and place settings as evidenced by her massive number of photo albums featuring family gatherings and holidays and 23 sets of dishes. Her friendships were many, but her ladies' guild that became a regularly-scheduled champagne and chit-chat session stood above all others. Their support never wavered. Her longtime relationship with a substantial group of high school friends lasted nearly six decades as families grew, life journeys expanded, and grandkids came onboard.

She worked her entire life from positions at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission to Van Dorm Realty to The Olympian newspaper.

Susan is survived by her husband of 49 years, Scott Rutledge; her children: Jon Rutledge (Laura), Olympia , WA; Sarah Haseman (Ryan), Olympia, WA; Robert Rutledge (Kristy), Ravensdale, WA, and 6 granddaughters; her sisters Ginny Bozak (Dave), Germantown, MD; Jan Hanson Olympia, WA; Barb Morrill, Pasadena, MD; her brothers John Specht (Diana), Olympia, WA; Steve Specht, Olympia, WA; and sister-in-law Nancy Rutledge Connery, Olympia, WA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Catherine Specht; brother Dennis Specht; brothers-in-law: Steve Hanson, Crispin Connery, and Tom Morrill; and sisters-in-law Brenda Specht and Lovetta (Sue) Specht.

At her request, there will be no funeral service. A private family memorial is planned for later. Susan had a great life and was blessed in so many ways. Hopefully she touched your life in some special way during her lifetime.

Donations, if interested, may be made in her name to St. Judes Children's Hospital.