Katherine Burck Rutledge

Katherine Burck Rutledge was embraced in the arms of Jesus on September 12, 2026, at the age of 77.

Katherine was a gifted artist whose talents enriched lives and places throughout Louisiana. She grew up in New Orleans, a city she always called home, even after living in Baton Rouge for more than 50 years.

Katherine attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting. She continued her artistic education at the Baton Rouge Fine Arts Academy, the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts, and Studio dei Leoni.

Her work appears in the permanent collections of the LSU Rural Life Museum, the Audubon Institute in New Orleans, and the McIlhenny Collection at Hill Memorial Library on the LSU campus, as well as in numerous private collections throughout the South. Her artwork appeared in Louisiana Life Magazine and The Delta, and her talents also extended to illustrating books and designing book covers.

Katherine's life was as expressive and generous as her art. She freely shared her paintings with local charities, friends, and family. Even more importantly, she shared the love of Jesus with everyone she knew. Her faith was an important part of who she was, and the beauty she created was matched by the love and generosity she extended to those around her.

Katherine is survived by her husband of 39 years, Clayton Fenton Rutledge; her sister, Martha Shackelford (Giles), and her children, William G. Shackelford III (Christine), Elizabeth Shackelford DuGan (Andy), and Scott M. Shackelford; and her brother, Cyril B. Burck Jr., and former sister-in-law, Pamela Richmond Burck, and their children, Christian Richmond Burck (Jennifer), Robin Marlette Burck, and Elizabeth Burck Guiza (Timothy).

She is also survived by seven great-nephews and great-nieces: Stella Shackelford, Julian Richmond Burck, Henry Labourdette Burck, Edward "Teddy" Burck, Hailey Elizabeth Guiza, Powers Clark Guiza, and Mallory Dale Guiza.

Katherine was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Marlette Burck, and her father, Dr. Cyril B. Burck.

Katherine's family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Terry Zellmer and Dr. Pavani Ellipeddi and their staffs for their diligence and compassionate care throughout her illnesses. They are also deeply grateful for her caregivers, Hospice of Baton Rouge, and the many friends who cared for, encouraged, and loved Katherine along the way.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Life Fellowship, 10210 Baringer Foreman Road, Baton Rouge, on Sunday, September 20, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Life Fellowship or to Carter Featherston's Restore One ministry at carterfeatherston.com.

Katherine leaves behind far more than a remarkable body of artwork. She leaves the beauty of a life generously shared, the love she gave so freely, and the faith in Jesus that shaped her life and now has become sight.