Leonard Preston Rutledge

Leonard Preston Rutledge, age 71, of Goodyear, Arizona passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 3rd, 2026 after a 10-year journey following a stroke.

Preston was born in Blythe, Ca to Leonard “Slim” Rutledge and Norma Dene (Blocker) Rutledge on April 9th, 1955. He grew up in Blythe and helped his father on the family farm to grow alfalfa, bale hay, and hand-pick cotton. In his youth, he had a passion for racing motorcycles and playing baseball. After graduating from Palo Verde High School in 1973, he spent several years working as a wastewater treatment plant supervisor for the City of Blythe. He later transitioned to working in the wastewater department at Chuckawalla Valley State Prison and retired after 25 years as a Plant Manger II.

Preston, lovingly know as Rut to many, was a proud small-town man and lived in Blythe for 63 years before moving to Goodyear, Az in 2018 to be closer to family. He was active in his community and was a part of the Blythe Jaycee’s, the Elks Lodge, and a member of the Community United Methodist Church. He enjoyed volunteering at the annual Breakfast with Santa event. Preston was known for loving a good party and tearing up the dance floor. He hosted many memorable 4th of July parties and looked forward to the crab feed every year. His family will remember him for his silly sense of humor- dressing up in costume and handing out full-sized candy bars at Halloween, his generosity and his amazing BBQ grilling.

Preston had a love for off-roading in his side-by-side, camping, hunting, frog gigging and taking his family out on the boat on the Colorado River. He was an adventurous traveler and made sure his family vacationed every year. After raising their 3 children, Preston and Ellen traveled all over the world including places like Alaska, Hawaii, England, France, Italy, Germany, Amsterdam and Norway and enjoyed river cruises to New England, the Southern Coast and the Pacific Northwest.

Preston is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Rutledge, of 42 years; daughters Diana (Mark) Mallett and Megan (Matthew) Morelock; grandchildren Alisia (Matthew) Snell, Matthew Rutledge, Victoria Mallett, Carson Mallet, Harrison Morelock and Luke Morelock; great-grandchildren Isla Snell and Malachi Snell; siblings Doug (Anna) Rutledge, Phyllis (Rutledge) Ferguson and Daniel Rutledge. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Michael Joseph Rutledge, and his loyal labrador retriever Baron who passed away the day before Preston.

A celebrate of life will be held on June 6th at 10 am at the American Legion in Blythe, Ca.