In loving memory of

Royann M. Rutledge
December 8, 1950 - November 6, 2020

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona with Father Edward Girres presiding. Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on the Five Saints Catholic Community YouTube page www.youtube.com/user/stceceliaalgona. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. on Monday, November 9, 2020, at Oakcrest Funeral Services in Algona. Social distancing practices will be observed and MASKS WILL BE REQUIRED.

Memorials can be made in her name to the Kossuth County Cancer Support Foundation. KCCSF, 1921 E. Elm St.; Algona, Iowa 50511

Royann Marie Rutledge was born December 8, 1950, in Algona, Iowa, the daughter of Eugene and Shirley (Fandel) Nichols. She grew up in Algona and later graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School.

On January 23, 1971, Royann was united in marriage to Lance Rutledge in Algona. She ran an in home daycare for 25 years with many dozens of children. She had a way with children to an extent that two of them came well into their teens, they said they weren't going to the babysitter, but going to Royann's house.

She was a proud member of St. Cecelia Parish and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. TOPS was a valued group of people, she helped with many, she held offices and promotions. Royann helped at the BGHS football and basketball concession stands for 22 years, she enjoyed every minute helping people and visiting with everyone.

Royann loved going to coffee every week with her coffee groups and on Saturday and Sunday for breakfast with many people. Playing bingo can not be left out, she wore out many dabbers over the span of 30+ years. She was a people person, loving everyone she met in the community. She will be missed, leaving behind a wealth of family and friends.

Royann died Friday, November 6, 2020, at MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City, Iowa. She was 69.

She is survived by her husband, Lance Rutledge of Algona; sons, Jeremy and Richele Rutledge of Sioux Center; William Rutledge of Waverly; six grandchildren, Cassandra, Shirlissa, Tealeisha, Maxwell, Samuel and Maya; one great-granddaughter, Mylah. Also surviving are siblings, Robert (Marcia) Nichols of Cedar Falls; Ronald (Cathy) Nichols of Tonganoxie, KS; Rochelle Graham (John Kollman) of Burt; Rita (Ronald) Becker of Ankeny; Rebecca (Robin) Steiner of Clarion and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Tributes

Neal Smith wrote on Nov 25, 2020:

"I\'m sorry for my late condolences, Lance but just received the Algona paper from Nov. 12th and saw that your wife had passed. What a wonderful life she had but cut way too short. My heart goes out to you and your children. Neal Smith"

Shelley Scuffham wrote on Nov 9, 2020:

"I am so sorry to hear the news of Royann\'s passing. I got to know her years ago when we worked at the Sernett store together. She was always kind, friendly and a lot of fun! My deepest sympathy to her family."

Billie Willle wrote on Nov 9, 2020:

"Our sympathies and prayers to Lance and all the family. We were blessed that all of them were loved and cared for by Royann. "

Kendall & Jean Stumme wrote on Nov 9, 2020:

"We send our sincere sympathy to Lance and family. Royann was an amazing second Mom to our son, Nathan. He loved going to Royann\'s because he could relax and play and he knew he was safe. On day one she told me \"I won\'t be teaching your son the ABC\'s and 123\"s, that\'s your job, and we watch TV here and we play.\" She was an awesome caregiver!!! While in her daycare Nathan often told me Royann could cook certain items better than me. I still share her secret ingredient for goulash. Royann was a people person and she was so proud of her children and grandchildren. Our family was blessed to have known her and Lance. She will always remain in our hearts. "

Gus and Deb Barker wrote on Nov 9, 2020:

"I was so sad to see about Royann\'s passing. You have our deepest sympathy. Hugs to you all. "

Tony & Judy Schiltz wrote on Nov 9, 2020:

"So sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. With deep sympathy, Tony and Judy Schiltz"

Lorna Hurlburt Naeve wrote on Nov 8, 2020:

"I am so sorry to hear that Royann passed away. She was always very special in out lives. She was like a second mother to Debbie, she was my first daycare provider, and my go to when I was a first time mom. She will be missed so much!"

Cathy Lloyd wrote on Nov 8, 2020:

"I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of giggling over the fact that my uncle was once married to her aunt. Almost cousins. She was one of a kind."

Beth Byrkeland wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"Lance & Family, We send our deepest sympathy to all of you. Royann was Gigi & Isaiah\'s daycare mom and \"grandma\" with \"grandpa Lance\" for Grandparents Day and other special events at Bishop Garrigan. According to Isaiah, she made the \"best mac & cheese\" and her pecan pie was fabulous. She gave the best hugs and we had some wonderful conversations. We were so blessed to have you in our lives. We love and miss you Royann--may you rest in eternal peace. "

Dona Nielsen wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"My sincere sympathy to all of Royann\'s family. Many memories as we have known the family for years.When the Nichols are together many laughs. I echo Kathy\'s thoughts she was such a significant part of our boys life and we can never thank her enough. It was never daycare. It was Royann and Lance\'s house. I have never been able to master the meals thats she made for them. Nor could I convince her to continue to provide a meal plan after they were too old to go there but I they always were welcome to stop and did some for a treats. I will miss seeing her out for her rides and having a visit but nothing like I know how she will be missed by her family. She loved her boys and grandchildren and talked so fondly of them. Lance you were the ultimate support and caring husband. Take care."

Judy and Ron Matz wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"Thinking of your family at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss."

Linda Grems wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"RIP my friend My hugs and prayers to all of your family. "

Sandi Diers Dahlhauser wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. "

kathy and Dan Foertsch wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"Deepest sympathies to your Family. We loved Royann and her infectious laugh. The tender care of the children she watched was so appreciated. Makayla is 26 and Matt is 24 now but she took care of them for many years. She was like a second Mom. We visited years later and Matt went straight to the \"snack cupboard\" . he remembered. She always had the best snacks. We were so blessed to have her in our lives. Rest in peace Royann, "

Anne and Maxine Kollasch wrote on Nov 7, 2020:

"Prayers for Roxanne and her family my God Bless you all in love and peace. "

Tara Ketoff wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"I?m so sorry for your loss. I will be praying for you all. "

diane gisch weig wrote on Nov 6, 2020:

"sorry for your loss "