Janice (Jan) D. Rutland, age 92, passed away July 29, 2024, at her home in Clayton, Georgia, due to cardiac complications.
Jan was born November 28, 1931, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Her parents were Bruce Douglas, Jr. and Corrinne Douglas. Jan lived In McRae, Georgia most of her early life. Later, she lived in various locations in Georgia, including Dublin, Savannah, Juliette, and Clayton (Lake Burton). She was an active member of her church, Tiger Methodist.
Jan lived a full and robust life. She loved her family, her church, card games, especially bridge, entertaining, cooking, and friends. Family was important to her, and she created a fun and loving environment. As an active church member, she made folks feel welcome and went the extra mile to reach out to them. Jan was a bridge fanatic. When she met someone new, she would want to know if they played bridge. If not, she was willing to teach them. Entertainment was part of her life with many a dinner party or ice-cream social at her home. As an avid cook, she loved to try new recipes. Jan had tons of friends as she loved and cared for people.
She never let an opportunity go to waste. When recovering from surgery in a skilled nursing facility, she wrote notes to the kitchen staff critiquing the food with recommendations. Later, when able, Jan went to the kitchen to discuss meals with them. In the same facility, she attempted to organize card games.
Jan was an attractive female and attracted males like bees to honey. She married Jack E. McGinty as a young bride. After his death, she married Grady Phillips. No happy ending there. Next was Scott Rankin. Following his death was Cameron Hammersley. Sadly, he died as well. Next, she had Dan chase her down from Alabama. Jan refused to marry him. But her adventure was not over as Joe Rutland, now deceased, chased her down as well and proposed. This time, she agreed and tied the knot again.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Joe Elkins of Savannah, Ga., and daughter and son-in-law, Melissa and Gary Elzey of Clayton, Ga.; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and John Peebles; grandchildren, Jonathan Elkins (Theresa) and Tasha Simpson; great-grandchildren; one great, great-grandchild; cousins; nieces; and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at Tiger Global Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour.
In lieu of donations, Jan requested that everyone get along. However, if someone would like to give a donation, the family asks that it be made to Tiger Global Methodist Church, 64 Pleasant Place Road, Tiger, Ga. 30576.
The family wishes to thank the many friends and relatives who came to visit Jan when she was near end of life. The family would also like to thank Amedisys Hospice for providing quality care as death approached.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.habershamcrematory.com.
Habersham Crematory (678-617-2210) of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
