Clara Rutledge, 77, of Tyler Hill, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at Geisinger-CMC, Scranton after a short battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Born on July 29, 1947, in South Canaan, PA, she was the daughter of the late Wayne and Johanna (Yamailkowski) Howell and the cherished wife of the late Garry Rutledge, who preceded her in death on August 4, 2020.

A proud graduate of Waymart High School and (the former) Lackawanna Jr. College, where she earned an associate's degree in business administration. Clara's early career as a seamstress at Katz Factory showcased her meticulous craftsmanship. Following the factory’s closure, she channeled her energy into her longtime passion, Rock Ridge Antiques. Those who knew her best thought she could do anything.

A lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Church in Rileyville, Clara also served as President of the Altar and Rosary Society and as a member of St. Joseph’s Quilting Guild where she contributed her time and talents generously. Her commitment to community and faith was unwavering, enriching the lives of those around her.

Clara's passion for nature and the arts transformed the Rutledge family farm into a haven of beauty and tranquility. Over her 54 years living on the farm, she cultivated beautiful gardens and spaces. She loved to teach people how to use their creativity, whether it be cooking, baking, sewing or any other creative endeavor. She was a woman of many talents! Clara’s kitchen was a place of warmth and love, where meals were crafted with a special touch and shared with joy.

Her favorite roles were those of mother and "Mema.” Clara adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passing down her love for gardening, cooking, and crafts. Her legacy of creativity and self-sufficiency flourishes in these young lives.

Clara is survived by a loving family including children: Amy Smith, husband Fred; Kate Rutledge, fiancée Tim Howell; Melissa Rutledge, partner Eric Doutre; Doug Rutledge, partner Jamie Hendrickson, and Matthew Rutledge, wife April; grandchildren: Zachary Smith (Ashleigh), Hunter Smith, Jarod Smith (Emily), Carmen Rutledge (fiancée Allen), Drew Rutledge, Rylee Rutledge, Morgan Rutledge, and honorary grandchildren Hunter King, Travis Rutledge and Macey Rutledge; great-grandchildren: Clara, Aiden, Blakely, Colton, and one on the way. She is also survived by siblings Walter Howell, Joe Howell (Ann), Ed Howell (Nancy), Bugsy Howell (Pat), Jerry Howell, Jim Howell, and Genevieve Morelli; sister’s-in-law: Connie Lawrence, Joan Yepson and June Seder; as well many as nieces and nephews, including Lisa Butler, Kelly Donet, Teri Tyler-Begley, Tami Tyler-Cook, and Todd Tyler.

Clara is predeceased by her sister Janet Tyler, brother Thomas Howell, sister-in-law Janice Howell and brothers-in-law Robert Yepson, Gilbert Lawrence, Les Tyler, and Charles Morelli.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025 from 2-4 PM at the Arthur A. Bryant Funeral Home located at 1228 Main St., Honesdale, PA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church, Rileyville, PA on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10 AM. Interment at Hillcrest Cemetery, Galilee, PA will be held at a later date. Guests are asked to wear spring colors. Clara’s life was a tapestry of love, and her memory a cherished keepsake.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Foundation C/O American Cancer Society.