Erma Erwina "Win" or "Winnie (Heydt) Rutledge, 84, of Hamilton, died of natural causes Thursday, at a Hamilton care center. Cremation has taken place, at her request, no formal services were held. Win was born July 16, 1925, in Geraldine, MT, the daughter of the late Erwin and Delight (Perrin) Heydt. Win was raised on the family ranch and graduated from Geraldine High School. After high school, she traveled to Washington, D.C., and worked for the U.S. Maritime Commission during World War II. She returned to Great Falls, MT, and worked as a clerk accountant for a building supply company. Win met Les Rutledge, at a Farmer's Union Convention in Great Falls. They were married on Sept. 4, 1949. Les and Win moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, and later to Ann Arbor, MI, where Les was a member of the faculty at the University of Michigan. Win was an accomplished weaver and tapestry designer and her creations appeared in numerous shows. She had a strong appreciation for art in various forms, and taught weaving and design. She also was a licensed pilot and skilled amateur sports-car driver. Win was an adventurous sort who enjoyed traveling and lived briefly in Stockholm, Sweden. The couple retired to Stevensville, MT, where Win became involved with the League of Women Voters and the Weaver's Guild. Win was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Hilda Mae Meyer. She is survived by her husband, Les; daughter, Darlene Rutledge; grandchildren, James Semans and Jeni (Mick) Leary; a great-grandson, Chris Semans; sister, Wilma (Tal) Corder; nephews, Roger (Lucinda) Corder, Floyd (Lois) Corder, David (Betty) Corder and Tyler (Marsha) Corder; nieces, Janet Meyer, Julie (Joe) Garrity, Janie (Tom) O'Neil and nephew, James (Holly) Meyer; sister-in-law, Ruth (Angus) Merrill; nephews, Alan (Lorrie) Merrill and Ralph Merrill; niece, Susan (Robert) Sharpe.
Great Falls Tribune, Great Falls, Montana, 24 Jan 2010, Sun