Vi was born on February 22, 1935 to Anthony and Maria Nicolo in New York City, New York. She was the youngest of eight. Soon after her mother’s death, she came to live in Missouri with her sister and family. There she grew up and met and married John Allen Rutherford on September 3, 1955. In 1961, their daughter, Rickilinda was born and two and half years later, Christina was born. Vi had many hobbies and interests. She was a member of Beth Haven Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Allen, her daughter, Christina Ellis, her parents and six of her brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her daughter Rickilinda Oehring of Cameron MO; her grandsons, James Oehring of Kansas City, Kevin Ellis (Abby) of Prairie Village KS, Keith Ellis (Jessica) of Kansas City; granddaughter, Karlee Ellis of Kansas City; six great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and many friends.