Gary Dhea Rutherford

Gary Dhea Rutherford, 74, of Middletown, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021 at his home. Graveside services for Gary will be held Saturday, October 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at the Keith Cemetery in New Hartford with Rev. Jerry Gamm officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes and Crematory in Bowling Green. Gary was born May 17, 1947 in Mexico, Missouri to Lowell Edward and Lydia Belle Smith Rutherford. He was united in marriage to Brenda Sue Thorpe on March 29, 1997 in Greentop, Missouri. She survives. Also surviving are children: Greg Rutherford (Maggie) of St. Louis, Bradley Rutherford (Shannon) of Bowling Green, Kim Heaton (Jeremy) of Mexico, Missouri, and Scott Rutherford (Shyra) of Jefferson City; step-children Brett Anderson (Erika) of Evansville, Indiana and Scott Anderson (Joann) of Vandalia; grandchildren: Kristen Rutherford, Lindsey Rutherford, Kayla Rutherford, Lauren Rutherford, Evan Heaton, Eric Heaton, Ethan Heaton, Eleanor Anderson, Lane Rutherford, Gage Rutherford, Sam Anderson, and Maggie Anderson; great-grandchildren, Braxton Smallwood and Raiyden Smallwood; Sister, Norma Jean Walker of Green City, Missouri; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Dean Rutherford, Dale Rutherford, and Joann Mudd; and a special nephew, Donnie Rutherford. Gary lived in the Middletown/New Hartford area his entire life. He was a 1965 graduate of Bowling Green High School, where he was active in the FFA. He contributed his schooling and success to Bill Mallory, who made a huge impact on Gary. After high school, Gary was drafted into the United States Army and was honorably discharged due to medical reasons. He later went to work in the labs at Harbison Walker in Vandalia, while also farming the family farm. Gary was a member of the AC Tractor Club and loved pulling tractors. He had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening, especially raising tomatoes and sweet corn. He had a love of deer hunting. Gary enjoyed western movies and books and also enjoyed watching college sports. He enjoyed vacationing; Yellowstone National Park, Gettysburg, and Branson being some of his favorites, but his absolute favorite spot to be was on his front porch. Gary enjoyed his family, particularly his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed visiting with the neighbors and helping others. Pallbearers will be Joe Rutherford, Tim Bruns, Dennis Rutherford, Jeremy Heaton, Terry Nadler, and Henry Bryant. Honorary pallbearers will be Bernard Dahl, Berwyn Lewis, Darrel Hogue, and William “Skeeter” Barber. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Gary Dhea Rutherford

May 17, 1947 - September 26, 2021