Stephen Mace Rutledge

Stephen Mace Rutledge passed away on June 1, 2025, in his hometown of Granville, Ohio. He was born on March 18, 1950, in Lima, Ohio — the second of three sons born to the late Myron L. and Erma Mace Rutledge.

Stephen graduated from Granville High School in 1968. A talented athlete, he played basketball, baseball, and football and often appeared in local papers as an MVP of the previous week’s games — a point of pride for his father, who kept clippings of his newspaper mentions.

Stephen’s attention to detail was a gift he nurtured through his career in carpentry and design. He built solar-powered smart homes in Maine, commercial and residential spaces in Hilton Head Island, SC, villas on islands throughout coastal New England — and, of course, homes and restaurants in his home state. He loved taking his three sons to woodworking shops in nearby Amish communities and passed down his extensive knowledge to his oldest son, who is also a contractor.

Stephen loved all types of art — painting, sculpture, theatre, and jazz — and was often found with a book in hand. Stephen also enjoyed golf and rarely missed an opportunity to play a round with his brothers, nephews, and friends.

After raising his family in coastal South Carolina and spending several years in Camden, Maine, Stephen moved back to Granville. He frequently enjoyed eating breakfast at Day Y Noche, reconnecting with old friends, and visiting the Farmers Market — often returning with fresh salsa, corn, and a bouquet of white lilies.

Stephen looked forward to his sons’ annual visit on the 4th of July, continuing the decades-long tradition of a Rutledge family reunion in Granville. This year, the family plans to continue the usual festivities, with time allotted for a celebration of Stephen’s life. His family and friends will miss his infectious laugh, explosive passion for political debates, and unfiltered spirit.

There will be a private graveside service at Maple Grove Cemetery on Wednesday, July 2, followed by a gathering at the Hereinafter Cocktail Tavern at 3430 N Bank Rd. NE, Millersport, OH 43046 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Stephen is survived by his sons Bailey Rutledge (Jenny Robling) of Avondale Estates, GA, Ethan Rutledge (Rebecca Coffman) of Acworth, GA, and Galen Rutledge (Carrie) of Austin, TX; grandson Maddox Rutledge; brothers Eric Rutledge (Bonnie) of Hot Springs Village, AR, and David Rutledge (Leda) of Granville; nieces Lindsay Rutledge and Alison Brown (Daniel); and nephews Brad Rutledge (Anya), and Dean Rutledge (Lindsay).

McPeek Hoekstra Hoskinson Funeral Home is honored to care for Stephen and his family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to his grandson’s college fund. Checks can be made out to Bailey Rutledge for the benefit of Maddox Rutledge and mailed to 223 Cobblestone Trail, Avondale Estates, GA 30002.

Please visit www.McPeekHoekstra.com to share a special memory or leave a message of condolence.