Gillian “Jill” Ellen Rutledge, 76, passed away March 14, 2025, in Lakeland, Florida. Born May 1, 1948, in Chelmsford, England, she was the daughter of Cecil and Phyllis Smith. Jill and her younger sister, Linda, grew up in Lindsell, England, a quiet rural village surrounded by golden grain fields, pastures and narrow country lanes, where Jill learned to ride horses and navigate scooters. Living in the English country-side, she also developed a life-long love for Jack Russell terriers, of which she proudly owned five throughout her lifetime.

Following high school and vocational training in secretarial skills, Jill moved to London, where she met U.S. Navy Sailor Cliff Rutledge, with whom she spent the rest of her life. Jill and Cliff raised a son, Lee, and they saw the world together as a happy family.

When Cliff retired from the Navy in 1990, Jill and Cliff settled in Lakeland and joined Cliff’s childhood church, First Baptist Church of Polk City. Serving the Lord at First Baptist for over two decades, Jill faithfully taught children’s Sunday School, sang in the choir, served annually at Vacation Bible School and Awana, and supported innumerable church fellowship and educational events. A servant at heart, she baked cakes, prepared meals and knitted sweaters and blankets for countless others in times of need and celebration.

Jill is survived by Cliff, her husband of 57 years, son Lee, daughter-in-law Bonnie, sister Linda Lawton, grandchildren (who knew her as Nanna) Holly Shackelford, Victoria Newsome and Lindsey Rutledge, and her great-grandchildren Sofia, Evan, Simon Joshua, Henry Lee, Ellie, Harrison and Theodore. And not to forget, her great-granddaughter, Gillian Newsome, expecting to arrive in August!

Gillian was known by all to always have joy in her heart and a song on her lips. May we all be caught up with her someday to sing to the Lord for eternity!

Family will receive friends on March 22, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at First Baptist Church of Polk City. Funeral service will commence at First Baptist at 1:00 pm, followed by interment at Green Pond Cemetery.