Loretta Rutherford

Loretta Rudolph Rutherford was born October 5, 1961, in Karnes City, Texas, to Alfred and Valda Haverlah Rudolph of Fashing, Texas.  Soon thereafter, the family moved to Pleasanton, Texas.  Loretta attended Pleasanton schools excelling academically, developing musical skills, and making life-long friends.  She graduated high school in 1980, earned a Business/Finance degree from Texas Lutheran College (TLC) in 1984, and worked in TLC’s Admissions and Alumni Relations departments from 1985-1991.

On March 14, 1992, Loretta married Ross Rutherford.  Although she was marrying a fellow Atascosa Countian, their home was near Columbus, Georgia, where Ross worked for Lummus Corporation.  Loretta became the business/office manager for Tech Textiles in Phenix City, Alabama.

Both their children, Kyle in 1995 and Lauren in 1998, were born in Columbus, but the family moved in 1999 to Rincon, Georgia, near Savannah, where Lummus Corporation moved its headquarters.  When Lummus presented them the opportunity to return to Texas in 2004, they moved to Lubbock.

In each location, the family found a church home in Methodist congregations.  Although they served in various capacities, their main involvement was in music ministry.  Loretta was a devoted choir member, an interim choir director, and flutist.

Loretta supported her children in all their endeavors.  Being involved in their school activities led to her working as a “much in demand” substitute.  Eventually, she accepted the job at Frenship Middle School as principal’s secretary, which unofficially meant “she ran the school.”  It was during these years that she developed a strong bond of friendship with many school personnel.

No matter the situational relationship, Loretta was loved by all, and her memory will continue to be treasured.

Loretta is survived by her husband, Ross Rutherford, of Lubbock, son and daughter-in-law, Kyle and Anne Rutherford of Lubbock, and daughter and son-in-law Lauren and Curtis Reed of Tulia, Texas.  She also leaves her mother, Valda Rudolph, sister Lanelle Rudolph, and brother-in-law Richard Albon of New Braunfels, Texas.  She is also survived by two nephews, Charlie and Andy Rutherford, one niece, Cassandra Rodriguez, and their mother, Cathleen Wagoner, along with a multitude of extended family and friends, across the country and around the world.

The Celebration of Life ceremony will be held on February 23, 2025, at 2:00 pm at St. Luke’s Methodist Church at 45^th and Memphis in Lubbock.

Her remains will be buried in Jourdanton City Cemetery, where those of her father, Alfred Rudolph, parents-in-law, Bill and Lucille Rutherford, and brother-in-law, John Eric Rutherford, lie.  The Interment will be Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 10:00 am in Jourdanton, Texas, with a brief reception following at St. John Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.

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