Tanner Levi Rutledge's faith was made sight on September 11, 2026. At long last, he has the peace he desperately sought. Tanner became a Christ-follower while in recovery and clung to his faith even as he struggled with his addiction and even as his mental health declined as a result of that addiction. But Tanner was more than the sum of his bad days. A published poet, lover of art, music, and baseball, Tanner had a tender spot for the underdog and animals.

Tanner's passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who truly knew him. Born April 11, 1984, Tanner was the beloved son of Vicki Rutledge of Hugo OK. He was the brother of Joey Rutledge and his wife, Kellie (whom Tanner considered his sister of the heart) of Rattan OK. The joy of Tanner's life was his son, Tripp Rutledge. Tanner adored his nephews, Tracer Rutledge and Tanner Trent. He fiercely loved and was so proud of "the Three Ts."

He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him, and by a multitude of friends as evidenced by the outpouring of love on his family. Many of these friends are ones Tanner met along the way because to know the real Tanner was to love him.

Preceding him in death were his sister, Melanie Rutledge; his grandparents, James and Geraldine Bacon; and his favorite aunt, Donna Leatherwood.

While we are shattered by Tanner's exit from this life to his heavenly home, we are comforted because we know he is at peace because he put his faith in the Prince of Peace, Jesus. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18).