Getting to Know Local Lady Leaders
Story & Photography Provided
Beth Rutledge, Runaway Properties
Who was your favorite teacher in school (if you grew up locally) and why?
I attended Hamilton Heights but all three of my sons are Blue Devil graduates. As a Blue Devil parent, I especially appreciated Kim Warner, not only for her teaching, but also for being instrumental in getting the German students involved with the Friendship Exchange Program. It eventually led to additional students coming to live with us and Levi securing a job in Germany for a time, after his college career. Additionally, Jim Makosky believed in his students, not only for what they were doing, but what they could do. His encouragement and mentorship was invaluable.
What store in town is your go-to for decorating your home?
Horton’s Home & Garden has such a variety of items that I never have a hard time finding something special/unique. I seldom leave without purchasing some of their delicious fudge. I also like to browse in Tim’s 1.
What are your favorite local activities to do?
As a child I attended the Diana Theatre and continue to do so today. What a bargain, right in our back yard. Of course, treating myself to the South Pole is a must when in town.
What do you love about living in Tipton?
Using a very familiar quote from “Cheers,” “You want to be where you can see our troubles are all the same. You want to be where everybody knows your name.”
What would you like to see in Tipton that we do not have yet?
I would like to see a MedCheck come to Tipton. There are many times I would like a professional opinion but do not think it is emergency room worthy. There really isn’t any fine dining in Tipton, but I’m looking forward to the new establishment along the railroad tracks.
Hope Randall, Hope Jewelers
Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, where did you graduate from?
My sister, daughter and cousins went to Tipton schools. I went to Western and received my GED at 16.
Who was your favorite teacher in school (if you grew up locally) and why?
Mrs. Obermeyer, as she was always kind.
What store in town is your go-to for decorating your home?
Dollar General, Tim’s 1 and the Side Street Mall.
What do you love about living in Tipton?
Living near family and friends, as well as the small-town vibes.
What would you like to see in Tipton that we do not have yet?
Somewhere for kids to skateboard and hang out.
What’s your go-to place for clothes?
The Feel Goods.
Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business? Beth Moser.
Laura Rutledge, BAR Stables
Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, where did you graduate from?
I did not grow up in Tipton. My husband is from here and I moved here when we got married almost 15 years ago. I feel lucky to call Tipton my home.
Where do you like to go out to eat on special occasions locally?
If we have something to celebrate, we usually like to go out to eat. Our go-to places are one of the Mexican restaurants or Main Moon Restaurant.
What are your favorite local activities to do?
My family likes to either go bowling at Suburban Lanes or watch a movie at the Diana. It is so nice to have two local places to go with my three kids.
What do you love about living in Tipton?
I love the small-town atmosphere of Tipton. I grew up in a small town myself and am glad my kids get to as well. The closeness of the community is very important to me.
Lisa Ferguson, Heart and Soul Caring
Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, where did you graduate from?
I grew up in Tipton County, working at the age of 12 in Tipton. I worked at Tom’s Cafe, Polar Bear (which is Dairy Queen now) and Merle Norman Cosmetics. I was active in FHA, band and cheerleading, from fifth grade through my senior year of high school at Tri-Central High School. I played tennis at Tipton High School, due to my school not offering the sport. I was beyond blessed to have friends from both Tipton High School and Tri-Central High School, where I graduated from.
Where do you like to go out to eat on special occasions locally?
There are so many wonderful restaurants in our town, where the food is amazing. My all-time favorite would have to be Faye’s Northside Restaurant. The atmosphere is filled with so many friends, and the food and service is simply, well, unexplainable. Our all-time favorite saying in the restaurant is, “You just can’t get this type of service anywhere else.” Nothing but respect for owner and dear friend Theresa Ogden Louthen.
What do you love about living in Tipton?
We are a small enough community to know one another, and large enough to make a difference in one another’s lives. Tipton is a very compassionate place to call home.
What would you like to see in Tipton that we do not have yet?
A car wash with a detailing area.
What’s your go-to place for clothes?
I love all five boutiques we have in Tipton – Annmarie’s Boutique, Rockin’ J’s Boutique, The Feel Goods, Horton’s Home & Garden, and Tinkerhouse. All are within two blocks of one another and are unbelievably reasonably priced, with really unique clothing, shoes, and all the accessories anyone would ever need.
Mary Burchette, Serendipity
What store in town is your go-to for decorating your home?
Anchored in Hope. I have several items in my home from Susie’s cute shop. I love that so many of the items she sells are made by local artisans, and she offers custom home goods as well.
What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?
Absolutely You. I’ve been going there for almost five years to have my hair done and to get the occasional manicure. Bre Burket is my hair stylist and she is amazing. The staff is friendly and their prices are very reasonable.
What are your favorite local activities to do?
Any event that Horton’s puts on is always done well and is a great time. The annual Pork Festival is a lot of fun too. Watching movies at the Diana Theatre is definitely a favorite past time as well. Their prices can’t be beat.
What do you love about living in Tipton?
I love the small-town atmosphere. The people are so friendly and we have the kindest neighbors. We are blessed in Tipton to have several cute shops, some great local dining and a beautiful park. All of these things help to make Tipton the charming town that it is.
Susie Hussong, Anchored in Hope Home Decor
Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, where did you graduate from?
I was born and raised in Tipton and graduated from Tipton High School in 1994. I have lived in Tipton most of my adult life with my husband, Andy, and our boys, Kaden and Kellen.
Who was your favorite teacher in school (if you grew up locally) and why?
My favorite teacher was my fourth-grade teacher, Mrs. Everidge, at Lincoln Elementary. I was actually a kindergarten and first-grade teacher for nineteen years, and Mrs. Everidge was a big influence in my dream to be a teacher from the time I was in elementary school. She was very caring and empathetic during a very difficult time in my childhood when my mom was battling cancer.
What are your favorite local activities to do?
Even though I am usually in my store, I love to have girlfriends come to town and take them to all of our little shops and boutiques in town. I also enjoy taking my grandkids to play at our beautiful park. I have such fond memories of playing there as a kid, and love it that my kids and grandkids have been able to make memories there as well.
What do you love about living in Tipton?
When I was a teenager I couldn’t wait to get out of Tipton and never thought I would come back here after college. As an adult I have come to appreciate living in a small town. I love that my kids are growing up with the kids of friends I went to high school with. I also enjoy having a storefront downtown and getting to engage with people in the community. Tipton is a great place to love and raise a family.
Kindra Tragesser, Urban Homestead
Did you grow up in Tipton? If so, where did you graduate from?
Yes, I did grow up in Tipton. I was born in Howard County and we moved to Tipton when I was 3. I know nothing other than Tipton being my hometown. I graduated from Tipton High School in 1985.
What’s your favorite local salon/spa if you want to treat yourself?
Absolutely You. Hannah McElfresh is simply the best.
What do you love about living in Tipton?
I love the vibe in Tipton. I love watching the growth that is happening, and people having a desire to make Tipton an even better place to live, work and shop.
Who has had the most influence/who has inspired you the most as a woman in business? Judy Burton. Judy always seemed fearless to me, watching from the outside. Judy is the epitome of female entrepreneurship. Judy opened a very successful children’s clothing store and has had many more successful business ventures since. I have always admired her tenacity and kindness.
Lisa Stokes Bear, Century 21 Scheetz
Did you grow up in Tipton?
Yes. I graduated in 1991.
Who was your favorite teacher in school (if you grew up locally) and why?
Mr. Mike Grimme. He was my drivers ed teacher and I still obey the driving laws he taught me.
Where do you like to go out to eat on special occasions locally?
Pizza Shack pizza (the Shack’s U-Bakes).
What store in town is your go-to for decorating your home?
Horton’s in downtown Tipton.
