“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”

- John 14:1–3

Ms. Lynn Diane Rutledge, 76, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 17, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital, with family and friends by her side as she was ushered into the arms of the Lord.

Lynn was born on July 19, 1950, to the late Loretta Walker-Rutledge and William “Dollar Bill” Edward Rutledge (Myrtle Watkins).

She spent at least the first twelve years of her life in the Lansingville community on the south side of Youngstown, Ohio. She began her education at Adams Elementary School, later attended Princeton Junior High School and South High School, and eventually obtained her GED. Lynn continued her education at Youngstown State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Social Work.

Lynn was employed by the Mahoning County Job & Family Services Division until her health prevented her from continuing to work.

In her spare time, Lynn loved spending time with family and friends. She especially enjoyed shopping, dining at different restaurants, and going on outings with those she loved.

Lynn was a devoted member of New Jerusalem Fellowship Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Alton Louis Merrell, Sr., until she was no longer able to attend.

Lynn leaves behind precious memories that will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved her, including her daughter, Kimara J. Rutledge-Higgins; one aunt, Gwendolyn Rutledge-Payne (Meredith); sisters, Sheila Rutledge-Broomfield (Brian) and Tina Rutledge-Henderson; and brothers, Tracy Rutledge (Carolyn) and Michael Rutledge.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her grandsons, Kerrington Tucker, Andre Tucker Jr., Tyshawn Rutledge (Jahira), and Marcus Higgins; granddaughters, Khi’Lynn Higgins and Kennedy Rutledge; and great-grandchildren, Ava Porter, Marquise Rutledge, Jariah Rutledge, and Tassiah Rutledge.

Lynn also leaves a great number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Among those especially dear to her were her special friend, Ardess Jamieson Jr., as well as friends who were as close as sisters: Sylvia Jackson, Diane Jones, Paula Williams, and DebRa Floyd-Hughes.

Lynn was preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, James J. and Sarah Green-Walker and Rev. William Ellis and Algene Jones Rutledge; her son, Kendall DeCarlo Rutledge; grandson, Raheem Porter; brothers, Marvin Dale “Buddie” Rutledge and Eric J. Rutledge; sisters, Roslyn Rutledge-Davis and Shileen Rutledge-Sims; niece, Turea “Tootie”; and her dear friend, James Calwise.

A Homegoing Celebration honoring the life of Ms. Lynn Diane Rutledge will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at the funeral chapel located at 292 Madison Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44504. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow at Belmont Park Cemetery, 3346 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44505.

The repast will be held at The Jaylex Center, 2110 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio 44511.

The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home. For additional information, please call (330) 743-4098.