Josie Rutherford

Josie B. Rutherford, 77, of Rockford, passed away Wednesday, July 13, 2016, in OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. Born March 4, 1939, in Church Hill, TX, the daughter of Emory and Frances (Wallace) Grant. Married Jimmy A. Rutherford on March 5, 1957, in Henderson, TX. Formerly employed by Associated Bank and Blackhawk Bank. Member of Firstborn Ministries. Survivors include her husband, Rev. Jimmy Rutherford; daughters, Deborah (Ted) Schaefer, Donna (John) Johns, Bilinda (Orlando) Serra and Rebecca (fiancé, Kevin Tyree) Amendt; 7 grandchildren, Theodore (fiancée, Amy Goddard) Schaefer, Leonard Schaefer, Kris Johns, Rachel (Michael) Davis, Russell Sims, Brian (Selena) Foeckler and Jared Amendt; 5 great-grandchildren, Katie, Marie, Chazz, Kimberly and Madilyn; brother, Rev. John (Darlene) Grant; sisters, Patricia Mitcham, Carolyn (Rix) Bussey and Marilyn (Roger) Black; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Mitcham and Bill Rutherford.

She ministered, as pastor’s wife, alongside her husband at many churches through the years. She at one time served as the secretary and treasurer for the WI United Pentecostal Church Ladies Auxiliary. She made wedding cakes for numerous weddings over the years and for all of her daughters’ weddings. She was an oil-paint artist, loved music and gardening, sewed custom-made drapes, and was an inspirational speaker at events for ladies’ and pastors wives. She was courageous, organized and a wonderful helpmeet to her husband while serving in the military. She, on her own, drove all four of her young daughters (all under the age of 14) from Texas to New Jersey, put her car on a cargo ship, and then took a plane to Germany where her husband was waiting to serve a tour of duty for the Army. In Germany, she hosted holidays for the soldiers who wished to have a home experience for the holidays. She was an excellent hostess and always made everyone feel welcome. She always made the holidays wonderful for her family. She loved her family and they returned that love. The memories she has given us will be our comfort.

Service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 19, at Firstborn Ministries, 8213 North Alpine, Loves Park. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, July 18, at Firstborn Ministries. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.