Sheila Elaine Rutherford, 79, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away Friday morning, January 26, 2024, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.

Born May 3, 1944, in Nashville, Tennessee, she was the daughter of Lewis Gratham and Anne "Mabel" (Lindsey) Moore.  She was raised and received her education in the Nashville area, graduating from Hillsboro High School in Green Hills in 1963.

On December 30, 1963, three months after meeting Martin L. Rutherford at an Air Force dance, Sheila and Martin were united in marriage in Belton, Missouri.  The couple made their home in Winfield.  Sheila stayed home to raise her children as well as worked several jobs including at Binney & Smith and Walmart.  Later, she worked part-time as a bus driver for USD 465 while she attended Cowley County Community College where she obtained her associate's degree.  Sheila completed her career working for the State of Kansas until her retirement, after 24 years of service.  Martin preceded her in death on December 22, 2003.

Sheila was a member of the First Baptist Church in Winfield; Order of the Eastern Star where she earned her 50-year pin; and Winfield ESA sorority for 56 years.  She enjoyed bowling and was involved with the Kansas Women's Bowling Association for 30 years.  Sheila also enjoyed attending the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival every fall.

Her family includes her children, Theorann Kim Rutherford of Bean Station, TN; Michelle Elaine (Rutherford) Price of Wichita; Martin Lewis Rutherford, II and wife, Kris of Winfield; her grandchildren, Crystal McBride; Erika Hernandez and husband, Ruben; Shawn Black and wife, Jamie; Treven McBride and wife, Ashley; Tiffany McBride; Stormy McBride; Thane Rutherford; and her great grandchildren, Cierra, Kason, Jayden, Haylee, Kylee, Alex, Olivia, Gabrial, Andrew, Payeton, Payslee, Natalie, Hayden, and one due in February 2024.

In addition to her parents and husband, Sheila was preceded in death by her in-laws, Ray and Theora Rutherford, her brother-in-law Henry Rutherford, her sister-in-law Sandy Rutherford, and her step dad Robert McClure.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Friday, May 3, 2024, which would have been Sheila's 80th birthday, at First Baptist Church in Winfield.  Arrangements are under the direction of Miles Funeral Service in Winfield.

A memorial has been established in Sheila's name for Winfield Relay for Life.  Contributions may be made through the funeral home.