The family of Cartalene Patton Ruddell, wish to announce her death on October 16, 2023, at the age of 86 after a brief battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, and a life well lived. She was an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Cartalene was born on July 16, 1937, in Kirksville, Missouri, to Carter and Mary Karaff Patton.
On May 10, 1958, Cartalene became the bride of Ronald K. Ruddell, a love lasting for 65 years.
Cartalene is survived by her husband, Ronald and their children; Deborah Ruddell DDS (Terri), Ronald Joseph (Debra), Karla Kay Berra (John), and Patrick Carter (Alicia). Nine grandchildren: Christopher Berra, Andy (Katie) Berra, Jordan Berra, Jake Berra, Quinn (April) Ruddell, Chase Ruddell and Devin, Celina, and Landin Ruddell. Seven great-grandchildren: Adriana and Camila Berra; Morgan, Nora, and Carter Berra; and Blake and Shay Ruddell. She also leaves two sisters, Mary Maye Bennett and JoEllen (Eldon) Hays of Kirksville. Her extended family includes nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and one aunt, Betty Karaff, and many treasured friends.
Cartalene was preceded in death by her parents, Carter and Mary (Karaff) Patton, her sister Margery (Patton) Leavitt, and brothers-in-law Donald Bennett and Bob Leavitt.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Mary Immaculate on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Monsignor Marion Makarewicz officiating. Burial will follow at the Park View Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of Northeast Missouri or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Arrangements in the care of Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.