Carolyn Rose (Rutledge) Erickson

In Loving Memory of Carolyn Rose Erickson (DOD: June 17, 2025)

Carolyn Rose Erickson (Née Fullerton, formerly Rutledge) of Bastrop, Texas, peacefully passed away on June 17, 2025, at Beacon Hospice House in Round Rock, Texas.

Born on November 1, 1933, in Warren, Arkansas, Carolyn embarked on a life filled with love and dedication. She married James F. Rutledge at Bartow Air Force Base in Florida on June 8, 1956. Following their marriage, James served in the Air Force, and the couple eventually settled in Texas after living in Florida and Oklahoma. Together, they welcomed two children, Ronald (Ron) and Kelly Rutledge, before relocating to Port Arthur, Texas, where James pursued a career as a chemical engineer with Texaco Oil Company.

Carolyn devoted her time to raising her children until they were ready for school. During those years, the family lived in Groves, Texas, for a few years before moving to Port Neches in 1962, where they enjoyed many years together. Apart from raising her children, Carolyn taught second grade for 30 years. As a dedicated teacher, she often proclaimed, “I never met a child I didn’t love.” After retiring, Carolyn and James moved to Bastrop, Texas, to be closer to their children and grandchildren. In the mid-2000s, Carolyn married Robert Erickson (predeceased), and she remained in Bastrop until her passing.

Carolyn enjoyed spending time outside in her yard and walking in the neighborhood. She also loved music and loved to sing and play ukulele in her younger years. She loved spending time with her family and enjoying a good meal. Carolyn found joy in conversing with friends and cherishing their stories. Her passion for the people in her life and storytelling left a lasting impact on many.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Neel Fullerton, during childhood, as well as her parents, James Blaine (Bains) Fullerton and Hattie Fullerton, her brother, James Blaine Fullerton, and her sister, Mary Naomi Harris (married to Charles Harris). Both of her former husbands, James Rutledge and Robert Erickson, also passed away before her.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Ronald (Ron) Rutledge of Bastrop, Texas, and Kelly Rutledge of Huntsville, Texas. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Jade and her husband Camron Rushin, Jamie Martin and her husband Christopher Martin, Jared Webb and his wife Kimberly, and Jessica Webb. Her great-grandchildren include Olivia Martin, as well as Jackson, Kenneth, Ada, and Bailey Webb.

Carolyn’s spirit will be remembered fondly by all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers and/or cards, etc., please send any donations to Calvary Episcopal Church, Bastrop, TX, P.O. Box 721, Bastrop, TX 78602. Her family thanks you.