Philip Michael "Mike" Rutledge, 84, passed away at his home with his loving wife by his side.

Mike was born in Erick, Oklahoma to Cecil Andrew and Mary Meleese (Fullerton) Rutledge on October 9, 1937.

After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Navy. In 1957, he was assigned to the Sandia Military base in Albuquerque, New Mexico for nuclear weapons training. It was here that he met the love of his life, Sarah Jo "Sue" Murray and the couple married July 5, 1958. He was assigned duty at San Diego, California as a nuclear weapons man and was honorably discharged in April 1960.

He attended the University of Montana in Missoula and earned his bachelor's degree in forestry. He accepted a position with the Bureau of Land Management. In April 1969 the family relocated to Worland. He retired in May 1994.

In 1960, Mike and Sue started their family and were blessed with four daughters. In 1971 they welcomed their son.

Mike joined the Meadowlark Ski Patrol in 1970 and served in that capacity for several years. He also served as regional Red Cross Director.

In the mid 70's he was presented with the opportunity to join a local country western band. The Sound 70's played together until the mid-80's. Although the band's name changed with the times the friendships formed with his bandmates lasted a lifetime.

Even with his busy life he found the time to build the family home from the ground up providing invaluable skills and work ethic in his daughters. It remains the family home today. He also passed along his love for hunting, fishing, the outdoors and music to his children and grandchildren.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kathleen Mercado; grandsons, Jedediah Mercado, Coy Rutledge and Jeremie Moore.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Sue; sister Ann (Don) Grewe of Kennewick, Washington; brother Joel (Trudy) Rutledge of Ada, Oklahoma, children: Karen (Tom) Templin, Marianne Moore, Kelly (Craig) Jones, Sean Rutledge all of Worland; 8 grandchildren: Lacey, Jason, Eric, Mathew, Tristan, Hannah, Tommy and Rosslyn; 9 great-grandchildren: Brandon, Katelynn, Isaac, Jennie, William, Brynn, Kinsley, Abel and Lucas and many nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned at this time. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryantfuneralhomeon

line.com.