RUTLAND, Ardith Clark 93, passed away on August 23, 2024 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Born in Clearwater, Florida and a graduate of Clearwater High School, Ardith lived a life full of family, philanthropy, business, and adventure. Ardith was preceded in death by her husband, Hubert "Bert" Rutland II. She was a loving mother to her four children, Hubert "Bud" Rutland III (deceased), Thomas Rutland, Ardith Richards (deceased), and Nancy Rutland, and was a cherished grandmother to seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ardith is well-known for her love of volunteering and was honored with the 2009 Helen D. Roberts Philanthropy Award for her 50 -plus years of service with the Christmas Toy Shop, as well as volunteering with St. Anthony's Hospital, the Stuart Society, St. Petersburg Historical Society Guild, the Girl Scouts, and many other local organizations. She made headlines as 'Gator Grandma' when she went alligator hunting at age 71. Ardith's zest for life was apparent to all her knew her. She sailed with the Salty Sisters, traveled to Alaska and Montana for fly fishing and to Scotland for the Highland Games, worked alongside her late husband at the Rutland Ranch, Rutland Bank, and Rutland Department Store, and rarely missed her Friday 'lunch bunch' at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Ardith will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 28 from 4-6 pm at Brett Funeral Home. A celebration of Ardith's life will be held Thursday, August 29 at 3 pm at First United Methodist. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Christmas Toy Shop or St. Anthony's Hospital Foundation. Guestbook at www.brettfuneralhome.net.
Ardith's Legacy of the FWSA
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