Katie Rutherford

Katie Rutherford, age 82, died in her home surrounded by family on Saturday, July 12, 2014. She was born on October 28, 1931 to Mary and Jess M. Nelson in Lawton, Oklahoma. She grew up in Lawton and married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Gene Rutherford, who she affectionately called ‘Big Daddy’ on March 31, 1950. She spent many years as a military wife and homemaker while her husband was serving our country. They were transferred to several army bases in the states and in Germany.

She and Bob had seven wonderful children Mary Ann Gunther, Helen Marie Daniels, Jeannie Lynn Thompson, Betty Catherine Dawley, Frances Elaine Ryan, Robert Gene Rutherford, and Jess Clay Rutherford.

Katie was raised in the Beal Heights Presbyterian Church in Lawton, Oklahoma that her parents helped build by hand. The original sanctuary still stands today. She was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Pasadena.

Her interests include collecting rare coins and stamps but we all know her for her love and absolute support of the National Aeronautical and Space Administration. Anyone who knows Katie though knows there is another interest; her home is replete with roses and more roses; inside the home and outside in her flower beds. There was never the thought that there were too many rose patterned dishes, pictures, or trinkets.

Mrs. Rutherford is survived by her children; Helen Daniels, Jeannie and her husband David Thompson, Betty Dawley, Frances and her husband Cecil Ryan, and Jess Rutherford; daughter-in-law Carolyn Rutherford; 13 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Mary and Jess M. Nelson; sisters Mary Nelson, Frances Sexton, Leila Hunt, and Jeannie Sexton; brother Jess Nelson; husband Bobby Gene Rutherford; children Mary Gunther and Robert Rutherford; and sons-in-law, Dan Daniels and Bill Dawley.