Rutledge Benson Hootie was born in San Angelo, Texas on December 26, 1930. She lived her early years on her parent's ranch in Irian County, Texas. Hootie graduated from San Angelo High School, attended Angelo State University and Parsons School of Interior Design, London.
In her earlier years she was a serious voice student and performed for many events. For many years in the middle of her life Hootie was an Interior Designer at Suniland in Houston.
Hootie is survived by husband Dr. Thomas L. Benson; son Thomas Taylor Benson and wife Terri Benson; daughter Charlotte Benson Koch and husband Dr. Richard Koch; grandchildren Christa Benson Dresman, Scott Taylor Benson, Laura Michelle Koch, Jessica Lynn Koch and many nieces and nephews.
She is pre-deceased by parents Winrow Blake Rutledge and Ora Neita Coffman Rutledge and sisters Anita Irene Rutledge, Mozelle Rutledge Scott and Mary Helen Eldredge.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October the 15th at Memorial Drive Christian Church, 11750 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Salvation Army.