Linda Bray Rutledge, age 80 of Strawberry Plains, TN passed away on April 1, 2021 at home with her beloved Curt by her bedside. Linda was preceded in death by her mother and father, H.G. and Christine Harrell Bray and her first husband, Ernie. Linda was born in Knoxville, TN on May 2, 1940 but lived her young and teen life in Morristown and Newport, where her father was principal of the local high schools. Linda’s interest was cooking and painting with oils. Art and crafts were her enjoyment, and she displayed her works all along the east coast as she lived in Virginia. Returning to Tennessee, she enjoyed traveling and sight seeing throughout the state. Linda is survived by her life partner, best friend, and love of her life for 40 years, Curt Ellis, and first cousins, Bo Harrell and John Miller Bray. Family and friends will gather at 11:45 a.m. on Monday, April 5, 2021 at Jarnagin Cemetery for a 12:00 p.m. graveside interment service with Rev. Darrell Chambers officiating. In consideration of the health and safety of all those attending the services, Farrar Funeral Home strongly encourages all CDC guidelines be followed, including the use of face masks.