Cartalene Ruddell

The family of Cartalene Patton Ruddell, wish to announce her death on October 16, 2023, at the age of 86 after a brief battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and a life well lived. She was an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Cartalene was born on July 16, 1937, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Carter and Mary Karaff Patton. She was baptized at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Kirksville, married there, and has been a lifelong member.

As a young girl, Cartalene learned the art of sewing and constructing her own clothing. She soon was competing in 4-H and Make it With Wool clothing construction contests. Cartalene was the first person from Adair County to represent the state of Missouri at the National 4-H Dress Revue in Chicago, Illinois, on November 26, 1954. The following year she graduated from Kirksville High School and was then employed by the Bank of Kirksville.

Cartalene loved to dance and at a weekend social she met her future husband, Ronald K. Ruddell. As was the custom in the 1950’s, available guys and gals lined up to dance and as songs changed, so did the partners. Ronald wasn’t much in favor of changing partners and said, “fellas, leave her alone she’s mine”.

On May 10, 1958, as the fragrance of spring flowers filled the Kirksville air and lavender and white lilacs adorned the altar at Mary Immaculate Church, Cartalene became the bride of Ronald K. Ruddell, a love lasting for 65 years.

On the day of their wedding rehearsal, Ronald received his military draft notice. Within weeks, she accompanied him to Munich, Germany, for his tour of duty. When his service ended, they returned to Kirksville accompanied by their firstborn, Deborah Sue. Their family soon grew to include Ronald Joseph, Karla Kay, and Patrick Carter.

During Ronald’s years of employment, his job relocated them from Kirksville to Iowa to Arkansas and back to Missouri. Cartalene’s role of wife and mother, quickly expanded into sewing for her children and others, growing a garden, canning vegetables, selling cosmetics for Avon and Mary Kay, selling real estate, and serving as a 4-H leader. Cartalene‘s faith being very important to her, saw their children receive proper religious training and attending Catholic schools where available.

Cartalene loved her circle of friends and enjoyed golfing with her ladies group. In recent years, her children and grandchildren taught her to use electronics and she spent many hours on her iPad and computer researching the Patton and Ruddell genealogy.

When they retired, they moved to Ronald’s family farm where he grew up as a boy. They have resided on the farm for the last 26 years.

Cartalene is survived by her husband, Ronald and their children; Deborah Ruddell DDS (Terri), Ronald Joseph (Debra), Karla Kay Berra (John), and Patrick Carter (Alicia). Nine grandchildren: Christopher Berra, Andy (Katie) Berra, Jordan Berra, Jake Berra, Quinn (April) Ruddell, Chase Ruddell and Devin, Celina, and Landin Ruddell. Seven great-grandchildren: Adriana and Camila Berra; Morgan, Nora, and Carter Berra; and Blake and Shay Ruddell. She also leaves two sisters, Mary Maye Bennett and JoEllen (Eldon) Hays of Kirksville. Her extended family includes nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and one aunt, Betty Karaff, and many treasured friends.

Cartalene was preceded in death by her parents, Carter and Mary (Karaff) Patton, her sister Margery (Patton) Leavitt, and brothers-in-law Donald Bennett and Bob Leavitt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mary Immaculate on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Monsignor Marion Makarewicz officiating. Burial will follow at the Park View Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons: Quinn Ruddell, Chase Ruddell, Chris Berra, Andy Berra, Jordan Berra, Jake Berra, Devin Ruddell, and Landin Ruddell. Honorary pallbearers Billy Don Bennett, Eldon Hays, David Bennett, and Michael Leavitt.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home; www.davisplaylehudsonrimer.com.