Eleanor May Rutherford Obituary (1925 - 2014)

Eleanor May Rutherford 89, of Decatur, passed away at 8:55 p.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014, in Imboden Creek Living Center surrounded by family. A service to celebrate Eleanor's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 1, 2014, at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home with Rev. Don Martin officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening, November 30th at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Central Christian Church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com. Eleanor was born July 14, 1925, in Decatur, the daughter of William H. and Cora E. (Leach) Owens Sr. She married George William Rutherford on May 24, 1953. He preceded her in death on May 16, 2012. She was a member of Central Christian Church for over 60 years, a member of Beta Sigma Phi Business Women's group and a 50 year member of the Illinois Association for Home and Community Education. She rarely missed a Municipal Band Concert in the 59 years that she was married. Her husband, Bill and son, Wayne both played in the band. Most of all, Eleanor was dedicated to her family. She and her husband Bill raised five sons and she was so proud of each one of them and their families. She will be remembered for her love, kindness, thoughtfulness and strength of character. Surviving are her sons: Wayne Rutherford and his wife Donna of Decatur, Doug Rutherford and his wife Sherri of Decatur, Roger Rutherford of Decatur, and Craig Rutherford and his wife Karen of Golden, CO; daughter-in-law: Penny Rutherford of Decatur; sister-in-law: Phyllis Owens of Decatur; nine grand children and eleven great-grandchildren also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son: Gary; brothers: Eugene and Bill and granddaughter: Kara.