Bobby Rutherford

Bobby G. Rutherford, 78, of Atlantic passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2016, at the Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

The son of Glen Mason and Eileen (Avey) Rutherford he was born June 1, 1937, in Audubon County, Iowa. His love of horses started on the farm as a child, and he would sneak rides any chance he got.

On June 25, 1955, he was united in marriage to Ellen Morton in Atlantic. Bobby competed in bareback and brahma bull riding competitions for several years while managing stock for a rodeo contractor. For eight years he also trained horses until he later became a full time farrier for the next 46 years. He also was a bus driver for the Atlantic Community School District for 11 years.

Bobby was a member of the Rawhiders Saddle Club in Atlantic and the Nebraska Farriers Association. In January of 2015, he was inducted into the Iowa Horse Council Hall of Fame at Iowa State University in Ames. He trained his own thoroughbred race horses and won competitions throughout Iowa and Nebraska. Bobby enjoyed mowing the lawn, bird watching, and flowers. He valued time with his family and they will treasure their many memories.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 60 years, Ellen of Atlantic; his children, Paul (Lori) Rutherford of Atlantic, Tammie (Craig) Shellberg of Oakland, and Bryan Rutherford of Atlantic; five grandchildren, Michael Rutherford of Colorado, Tiffany Shellberg Schutt (special friend, Derrick Byers) of Avoca, Amber (Jonathan) Quigley of Council Bluffs, Blue (Lisa) Rutherford of Omaha, and Page (Courtney) Rutherford of Iowa City; nine great-grandchildren and expecting another one in March; two step-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; three step-sisters, Evelyn Bettin, Marilyn Paton, and Shirley Gerdes all of Leon; sisters-in-law, Pat Rutherford, Darlene Rutherford, Carol Petersen, Dorothy (Jim) Tupper and Laura (Joe) Redburn; brother-in-law, Bert Morton; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter, Shayna Lynn Rutherford; three brothers, Arnold Rutherford, Paul Rutherford, and Lloyd Rutherford; and step-sister, Janet Dailey.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at 10:30 A.M. at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, with Pastor Nancy Jensen officiating. The family will meet with friends on Monday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M. at the Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic. Interment will be in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lewis, Iowa.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Bobby's family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Bobby G. Rutherford

BORN
June 1, 1937 ~ Audubon County, Iowa

ENTERED INTO REST
Thursday, January 21, 2016 ~ Omaha, Nebraska
At the age of
78 years, 7 months & 20 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 a.m., Tuesday, January 26, 2016
United Church of Christ ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Pastor Nancy Jensen

EULOGY
Tammie Shellberg
"8 Seconds"

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Put Your Hand in the Hand” by Anne Murray
“Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
“You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
“Once In A While” by Billy Dean (from the movie 8 Seconds)

CASKET BEARERS
Paul Rutherford
Duane Avey
Paul Rutherford Jr.
Richard Tupper
Jonathan Quigley
Derrick Byers

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS
Lloyd Reed
John Johnson
Todd Schroeder
Ercell Fortney
Mike Mikkelsen
Rick Bailey

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Linda Marek
Carolyn Johnson
Elaine Martens
Jan Petersen

INTERMENT
Oakwood Cemetery ~ Lewis, Iowa

The family invites you to join them for lunch in the
fellowship hall following services at the cemetery.

"Once in a While"
By Billy Dean featured in the movie 8 Seconds

Once in awhile
Someone comes along
That one in a million heart
So pure and so strong

They can face up to the tears
And somehow still find a smile
We only get it every once in a while

Once in awhile
Someone has the eyes
That one in a million look
Never tells lies

They can get you on your feet
To walk that extra mile
But we only see it
Every once in a while

That's why we call them heroes
That's why we know their names
And once you've heard their stories
You're never quite the same

That's why we call them heroes
The best thing they ever do
Is point to the best in us all
And say, "If I can, you can too."

Once in awhile
I still hear his voice
That one in a million sound
Like two laughin' boys

He would hate it if we cried
That never was his style
Oh, we still miss him
Every once in awhile

Oh, they can face up to the tears
And somehow still find a smile
But we only get it
Every once in a while

Oh, how I miss him
Every once in a while