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Funeral Ceremony: 11 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery, Flora
Visitation: 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday evening, March 16, at the funeral home
Raymond Lewis Rutland, age 65, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, March 13, 2023, at his home.
He was born June 21, 1957, in Cushing, Oklahoma, the son of Bernie Robert and Janice (Kennon) Rutland. He was united in marriage to Shannon G. Briscoe on September 9, 1978, at the Flora First Christian Church and together they have shared 44 wedding anniversaries.
Ray was a longtime family farmer and worked several truck driving jobs over the years including delivering feed and for McDaniel Transit. Ray spent many hours working on equipment as well as tinkering on projects like restoring pedal tractors with Shad, and he often made light of whether you could find him “working out in the shop or hiding out in the shop.” He was a member of Flora First Christian Church and served as a Director on the Clay County Soil and Water board for 35 years. Ray appreciated time with his family, taking scenic drives and Ranger rides, and feeding the fish with Autumn when she visited. He had been an avid hunter in the past. Ray will be remembered for his quiet but faithful and giving spirit, with a willingness to lend a hand to help others.
He is survived by his wife: Shannon Rutland of Flora; a daughter: Amie (Larry) Evans of Radom; a son: Shad Rutland of Flora; mother: Janice Rutland of Flora; a granddaughter: Autumn Evans of Radom; a brother: Greg (Diana) Rutland of Flora; a sister: Becky (Larry) Timm of Benton, Kentucky; 2 brothers-in-law: Mike (Karen) Briscoe and Blake Briscoe; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father: Bernie Rutland; father-and-mother-in-law: Rex and Phyllis Briscoe; and an uncle: Ray Rutland Jr.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Tre Schleif officiating. Interment will follow in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery, Flora. A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Flora First Christian Church and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Oct 27, 1934 - Apr 21, 2024
May 31, 1946 - Apr 20, 2024
Aug 8, 1939 - Apr 18, 2024
Jul 20, 1934 - Apr 14, 2024
Aug 31, 1955 - Apr 12, 2024
My Dear Shannon, and family: words cannot even describe how sad I feel for all of you. My heartfelt condolences to you all. Love and hugs to you.
So sorry to hear this, Ray was such a good man. Praying for your family during such a difficult time. God bless and keep you. 🙏💔🙏
I am very sorry for you loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So very sorry for the loss of Ray..such a wonderful man. May God bless you all with peace and comfort.
Shannon, Shad, Greg, Janice,Becky and family we are very sorry for your loss Ray was wonderful in helping my mother with the farm and taking time to visit with her.
We were so sorry to hear about Ray. It is a terrible loss to his family and friends. I remember meeting him in Henderson at Owen and. Virginia’s. He loved the Strawberry Chiffon Pie I made. When we return from Florida, I need to find a pic I have at Big Jr.’s one year. We send our deepest sympathies. Prayers.
Prayers for your family at this very difficult time. Ray was always so nice and we enjoyed when our paths crossed.
Prayers with you Shannon and your family
Shannon, I'm so sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to all of you!
We are so sorry for your loss. Ray was always a great person, inside and out. I wish I had know him longer in school. He attended Lincoln School so we all met up in high and he was in the Class of 1976. Where ever Ray was, there was laughter and fun. I will always remember his smile. You will be so missed my friend. ❤️🙏🏻
Shannon and family, I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around all of you!
My condolences to the family. Shad I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm praying for comfort for you my friend during this time.
My deepest sympathy in your difficult time of loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May sweet memories ease your pain.
SO SORRY Shannon, Amie and Shad and family in our prayers and thoughts during this difficult time with the passing of Ray may 🙏 in rest in peace with God entirely in his life
So sorry. Prayers for family and friends.
So sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with Ray's family and Friend's.
Sending my condolences for your loss. Ray was such an important figure in Phil's life and was a true blessing to him.
So sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Heaven must be rejoicing to receive such a special man. Praying for the family
Shannon shad and family sorry for your lost ray was a great guy .just sorry you all are having to go through this hang in there my thoughts are with you all.
So sorry to hear about Ray. Prayers for the family 🙏🙏
Shannon and family, I am so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shannon, Shad, Amie, Janice and the rest of the family. Ray was a very good man. He always had a smile and a nice word. He will definitely be missed. Prayers for all of you.
Ray was close to Aunt Betty and farmed for her and Case. Like one of the family. He will be missed.
Ray was a very good friend from childhood years. Great farm partner for many years. I'm so sad to hear of his passing. So sorry for your loss. Shannon, Shad. Greg, Diana and all his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Prayers ❤️
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to the family
Shannon and Family: Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. God and the love of your family and friends will help you through this difficult time 🙏
Ray was a good guy. He was a quiet type but still I know that he will be missed by many.
So sorry for your loss
Shannon and family, so sorry to hear of your great loss. Remembering the fun we had after I started working with you, and Ray would just shake his head. Prayers to all of you.
Shannon, I am so very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I will always remember him as kind, funny and thoughtful. Sending prayers of comfort to you and your entire family.
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss. He was a very kind man and will be greatly missed.
Sorry for your loss Shannon. Prayers.
So sorry for your loss, Ray was a super guy. Will be missed, always had a smile and great attitude.
Shannon and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my prayers.
Many wonderful memories of good times with the Rutland family. Praying for peace and comfort for all of you.
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God wrap his loving arms around each and everyone during this very difficult time. My prayers and thoughts are with u all.
Dear Becky, Very sorry to hear of the loss of Ray. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I have so many wonderful memories of Ray and his friends in high school. He was fun-loving and a true gentleman. May his family’s memories provide them peace and comfort in the days ahead. ✝️
Sending tender thoughts and tons of prayers to you all.....Hugs to comfort you also!!
Sympathy is extended to The Family. Sorry for Your Loss.
You have our deepest sympathy! We will continue to keep you all in our prayers!! Shannon you can always call if you need anything!!!
Shannon, Shad and family. So sorry to hear of the passing of Ray. He was a nice person and will never forget the memories of him in High school. Him and his farm buddies. Also of them coming in to the pit to eat and Shad coming up to pit just to hang out. It was great. I will miss all of that. Prays are with you in this difficult times.
I am sorry to hear of Ray's passing. Deepest sympathies to his family.
We are So Sorry to hear this Our Depest Sympathy
So sorry to hear about Ray. Sending prayers and comfort to the family
So sorry to hear prayers for the family
Ray was a customer of mine at ADM in Farina. He was always so nice to deal with. I’m so sorry for your loss. He was a good man.
So very sorry for your loss. Condolences for your family at this time.
The world will miss that mischievous smile. Thinking of you all.
Shannon, Condolences to you and your family.
Amie, Larry, Autumn and family…we are so sorry for your loss! You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you during this difficult time.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Prayers for strength and comfort for each family member.
Shannon, So, sorry that Ray passed. My heart goes out to you !! I always thought he was a wonderful friendly guy. Big hug to you !!!! Usually saw him at the Hill during deer season. He will be missed by all at the Hill !!! Love ya Kiddo !!!
Greg and Family, So, so sorry for the loss of Ray. Always enjoyed seeing you Greg and Ray out at the Hill during deer season. I always thought of Ray as such a nice guy. My heart breaks for this news. Praying for Gods grace to you all during this time.
Shannon, Shad, Greg, and extended families, Sending sincerest condolences for your loss. Ray was a wonderful man. I loved the perpetual gleam in his eye.
So sorry Shannon. Prayers and hugs to you and your family.
With love and prayers, Dave Lewis
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
