Stephen Elliott Rutland

Stephen Elliott Rutland, 68, of Auburn passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at East Alabama Medical Center following a prolonged battle with multiple sclerosis.  Born on January 20, 1957, to Gene and Leonora Rutland, Steve was an avid outdoorsman who spent countless early mornings and late afternoons making just one more cast and looking for that one last deer or bird to set his sights on. But it wasn’t so much about the fish and game, but rather the strong bonds he built with so many family members and friends. The only thing Steve loved more was Rita, his wife of 39 years.

Steve was born in Talladega, Alabama, but moved to Auburn at a very early age. In his formative years, Steve was a member of the Boy Scouts of America (Troop 15 in Auburn) which helped stir his interest in the outdoors. He graduated from Auburn High School in 1975, and then attended Southern Union Community College, where he also happily doubled as the school’s bus driver from Opelika to Wadley. He was employed by Craftmaster Printers for 20 years where he made many friends and then worked in the Carpentry Department at Auburn University for 10 years before his diagnosis caused his early retirement.

It was his time away from work and in the outdoors where Steve lived his best life. Along with his father for many years, Steve was a longtime member—and secretary/treasurer—of the Auburn Bassmasters Fishing Club, which was one of the first clubs affiliated with B.A.S.S. Nation. Steve was such an enthusiast that he was known to make some of his own rods and lures. He used them in all-day fishing tournaments at large lakes as well as locally where he was a Gold member of Lake Auburn and Lake Ogletree.

Steve also enjoyed hunting and the great fellowship he had with members of his hunting group. The outdoors also saw Steve volunteer his time at Camp ASCCA where he mentored children to become future outdoor enthusiasts. Another way Steve’s affinity for the outdoors shown through was with rock hounding. His love of rocks even led him to become a self-taught stone faceter and a member of the East Alabama Gem and Mineral Society. Other hobbies Steve held were woodworking and birdwatching.

Steve loved—and was loved by—his family, his fellow outdoorsmen, his friends, and his church. He was a lifetime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Auburn.  

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Gene Rutland and Leonora Clayton Rutland, and his stepsister, Becky Atkinson.
He is survived by his wife, Rita; stepmother, Elizabeth Rutland; sister, Genna (Doug) Mitchell; stepbrother, John Atkinson; stepsister, Teresa (Donna) Dickman; sons, Antiown (Jessica) Cook and Anthony (Kimberly) Cook; grandson, Dalton (Chandler) Cook; granddaughters, BriAnna Cook, Makayla (Andrew) Gardener, Ansley Cook; grandsons, Kaleb, Kade, and Jaxon; four greatgrandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025, at Grace United Methodist Church, 915 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn, AL 36830. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace United Methodist Church.