Bertha Lee Ruther

Betty was born on September 20, 1932, in Evergreen, Alabama, to Aubrey and Dollie Raines, one of four children. She attended public schools in Evergreen, graduating from high school in 1950, at which time she voluntarily entered into service in the United States Navy.

Upon her honorable discharge from the Navy, Betty returned home to Evergreen briefly, then moved to Pensacola to live near her older sister’s family. She became employed by a car dealer named Joe Ruther, not realizing he would soon become her husband. They were married 35 years, until his death in 1986. Their daughter, Kathy, was born in 1956 followed by another daughter, Femme, in 1959. Betty lovingly referred to her girls as Sister and Little One ever after.

Betty was a longtime employee of Mobile Home Industries in Tallahassee before becoming a title clerk for the Courtesy Oldsmobile car dealership. She concluded her career in the employ of Kraft Nissan after many years of diligent service. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening, canning vegetables and making preserves. She was an active member of Immanuel Baptist Church, delighting to assist her daughter, Femme, in teaching a Sunday School class of four year old children.

Her love for and service to her family and community throughout her life is reminiscent of the woman spoken of in Proverbs 31, as excerpted here: “… she gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family… she sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks… her lamp does not go out at night… she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy… when it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet… she is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue…she watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed…many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Betty is survived by her daughter, Femme Ruther. Her daughter, Kathy Ruther, survived her by one day and followed her in death on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Her sister, Barbara, also survives her. She was predeceased by her husband, Joe, her parents and two siblings.

The funeral will be on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 2351 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Florida. The family will receive visitors at 10 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow at 12:45 p.m. at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Homes & Memorial Park, 700 Timberlane Road.