Kimberly Ann (Rutledge) Blase

Kimberly Ann Blase, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 18, 2023 at 54 years old.

Funeral service will be on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 2 pm at First Baptist Church of Alvord, TX. Graveside service will be at Jonestown Cemetery in Alvord, TX following the service. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 6-8 pm at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur, TX.

Brother Ken Hering and Brother Bill Cleveland will officiate.

Pallbearers are Billy Rutledge, Jonathan Rutledge, David Rutledge, Lane Rutledge, Justin Gatlin, and Sheridan Rhine.

Kimberly, best known as Kim, was born on November 20, 1968 in Bridgeport, TX to Jacky and Zonetta Rutledge. Kim graduated from Alvord High School in 1987 where she was Valedictorian of her class.

She graduated in 1994 with her Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of North Texas. Kim dedicated her whole life to teaching young minds. She completed 29 years of service to the education community.

Kim taught at Alvord Elementary for years until she moved to Decatur. Kim began teaching at Rann Elementary in Decatur, TX in August of 2000. She taught first grade for many years until she moved to kindergarten where she finished the rest of her career.

The words strong, selfless, and loyal come to mind when thinking of words to describe Kim. She gave her life to Christ at the age of seven and continued living for the Lord until she was called home. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, mentor, and friend to many who will miss her dearly.

Kim is survived by her children Joshua Curtis Blase of Decatur and Kelsey Paige Blase of Decatur who were her pride and joy.

Other survivors include her parents— Jacky and Zonetta Rutledge; two brothers— Billy Rutledge and wife Tammy, and Jonathan Rutledge and wife Kassie. Nieces and nephews; Hailey Atterberry, David Rutledge and wife Kerri, Lane Rutledge and wife Miranda, Kaylee Rutledge, Brooklyn Rutledge, Baylee Rutledge, Jolee Rutledge; a multitude of cousins, great nieces and nephews; father-in-law, Olin Blase; aunt, Anna Blase and her family.

She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law, Doris Janelle Blase; aunts, Patricia Watkins and Johnnie Wells; uncle, David Blase.