[Englisch] (Thanks to Sue Kettwich Bruch for keeping me informed!)
Marna Sue Rutledge Kettwich, 59, of O’Fallon, IL, born October 1, 1951 in Arthur, IL passed away September 1, 2011 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL after a courageous three year battle with cancer. Marna attended First Baptist Church of O’Fallon for the majority of her adult life. A graduate of Arthur High School in 1969, Marna continued her education at McKendree University, where she was a member of the Alpha Omega Society, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1973 with a double-major in English Education and History. While at McKendree, Marna, affectionately known as Marn, met her loving husband Paul. In 1977, she earned a Master of the Arts in Counseling from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
For 37 years, Marna forged an extraordinary career in Human Resource Management for the United States Air Force. During her career, she held senior leadership positions that set the course for developing human resource management across the Air Force for many years to come. Her tremendous efforts did not go unnoticed. Over her 37 year career, Marna received numerous awards including the distinguished Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award, Exemplary Service Award and the Major Command Specialist Award. During her retirement ceremony, Marna’s achievements were recognized by President Barack Obama, Congressman Jerry Costello and the Commander of the Air Force Network Integration Center. Because of her unselfish loyalty, patriotism, commitment, and dedication, she has touched the lives of so many. Marna retired in April 2011 as Chief, Manpower & Personnel Division, Air Force Network Integration Center.
Marna was religiously devoted to living life to its fullest. The source of her strength was her love of God, family, friends, and work. She enjoyed helping others, reading, decorating the home, and shopping. She was an avid fan of O’Fallon Township High School & McKendree University athletics, the Illinois Fighting Illini, and the St. Louis Cardinals, in spite of the fact that the majority of her family consists of Cub fans.
Marna was preceded in death by her parents, John A. and Sarah E., nee Greene, Rutledge, and father-in-law Wayne F. Kettwich.
She is survived by her loving husband of 38 years, Paul D. Kettwich of O’Fallon, IL, 2 sons; Dane A. Kettwich of Rockville Maryland, and Kellen M. Kettwich of Shiloh, IL, mother-in-law Marjorie Kettwich of Minonk, IL, a brother, Michael (Mary Ellen) Rutledge of Arthur, IL, a sister Margo (Jerry) Blaudow of Tuscola, IL, a brother-in-law John (Marcia) Kettwich of Minonk IL, a sister-in-law Janet (Shawn) Hall of Bloomington, IL, nieces and nephews, Sarah Rutledge of Arthur, IL, Elizabeth Rutledge of Arthur, IL, Kendra (Todd) Pence of St. Joseph, IL, Cortney Blaudow of Chicago, IL, Susan Rutledge of Arthur, IL, John Jared (Cara) Blaudow of Arthur, IL, and Stephanie Hatten of Bloomington, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Marna may be made to the John and Sarah Rutledge Scholarship Fund at the State Bank of Arthur, Arthur, IL. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 5th, from 4:00-8:00 pm at Schildknecht Funeral Home, 301 South Lincoln Ave, O’Fallon, IL
Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, September 6th, at First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, 1111 E. Hwy 50, O’Fallon, IL with Rev. Doug Munton officiating.
Burial will be at O’Fallon City Cemetery, O’Fallon, IL.
Arrangements entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home and Cremation Services, O’Fallon, IL.