Sylvia Whitten Rutledge

Sylvia Whitten Rutledge, 88, of Bronson, died January 5, 2026, at Plantation Oaks Assisted Living Facility in High Springs. She was born May 6, 1937, in Gainesville to Ruby Whitten (Croft) and Walter Whitten. She graduated from Bronson High School and the University of Florida earning a Master of Education. Sylvia was a librarian at both Trenton and Chiefland High Schools and was a teacher and principal at Chiefland Elementary School. She was also the vocational director at the Levy County School Board.

Sylvia was athletic in high school, where she was a stellar basketball player. Later, with a winning coach as a husband, Sylvia enjoyed following all sports and was always on the fields or in the gym. As a UF graduate, she was an avid Gator fan. Sylvia was also a very talented educator and homemaker. She was active in supporting her favorite political candidates and served in 2004 as the Levy County Delegate to the Democratic National Convention. She was member for many years in the Anzonetta Epperson Circle at the Bronson Methodist Church, where her great-grandmother Augusta Graham also served in missions. Sylvia was an advocate of many service projects and was always involved with school and community events.

She is survived by her sons, John Wade of Trenton and Rick (Mary) of Charlotte, NC, grandchildren, Zack and Alex of Orlando and Jake and Elizabeth of Charlotte and a brother, Gary Croft of Cashiers, NC.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Rutledge, brother, Jack Bass and sister, Gina Croft.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Levy County Schools Foundation, Sylvia Rutledge Scholarship, PO Box 1386, Bronson, FL 32621.