Merrills D. Rutledge; Retired Graphic Artist

Merrills D. Rutledge, a former graphic artist and music teacher, died Sunday after a long illness. He was 81.

He was born July 22, 1919, in Buffalo, N.Y., to Carl and Helena Rutledge.

Rutledge served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and married Viola Johnstone in April 1944.

He worked in graphic arts for the Dupont Co. in Rochester, N.Y., before moving to California with the Abex Co. in 1960.

After retiring, he continued his love for music by teaching and building and repairing stringed instruments. He also played in the Ventura County Symphony.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ventura for more than 40 years where he served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and member of the church orchestra.

In addition to his wife of 56 years, he is survived by three children, John Edward of Phoenix and Patricia Borders and Patrick Johnstone both of Atascadero; sister Jean Partridge of Memphis, Tenn.; brother John of Westerville, Ohio; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Graveside services are scheduled at 11 a.m. today at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura. A reception will be held in the Fireside Room at the First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the First Baptist Church, 426 S. Mills Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

Arrangements are under the direction of Charles Carroll Funeral Home in Ventura.