Dede was born September 28, 1931, in Pottawatomie County in Oklahoma to Charlie and Vera Bodkin. The family moved to Olton, TX where Dede attended Olton High School. She met her future husband, John “Cooper” Rutherford in Lubbock while attending college. Theirs was a whirlwind romance and they were married January 12, 1951.
Dede and her husband welcomed their daughter, Denise Rutherford to the world on January 12, 1962. Cooper’s work would take them to Amarillo and eventually to San Angelo where they put down roots in January of 1971. She worked at the Santa Fe Credit Union, as an office manager for two local physicians, and eventually dabbled in Real Estate until she retired.
Dede was a proud member of the First Baptist Church of San Angelo. She was also a proud member of the Concho Valley Republican Women for many years. She fiercely cherished both old and new friendships. The family would like to thank the Staff of Meadowcreek Nursing Home and Hospice of San Angelo for their kindness, caring and compassion during her final months with us.
Dede was preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Vera, her brother Bruce, Sisters Helen, Bonnie and Gloria Lee, and her beloved husband Cooper, whom she has now rejoined for eternity.
She is survived by her daughter Denise and husband Andy Reiner of San Angelo, Granddaughter Kayla of San Angelo, Sister Bobbie Walker of Joshua, and many beloved Nieces, Nephews, and their families.
There will be an open viewing at Johnson’s Funeral home March 8, 2023, from 8:00AM to 8:00PM. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM March 9, 2023, at the Mausoleum Chapel of Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens at 4989 FM Highway 1223, San Angelo, TX 76905.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a local Food Bank, a local Hospice, or a charity of your choosing.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com for the Rutherford family.
