Shelly Janice Rutherford

Shelly Janice Rutherford, age 61, resident of Wagoner, OK, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, May 24, 2025, at Ascension St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, OK. She was born on December 8, 1963, in Tulsa, OK to Denver and Marcella (Murphy) Hubbard. Shelly's life was a testament to her strength, love, and unwavering spirit.

Shelly attended Inola Schools in Inola, OK. Her early years were filled with the joy and camaraderie of being the oldest of five siblings. She carried the warmth of these formative years throughout her life, fostering deep connections with those around her.

On August 10, 2007, Shelly married the love of her life, Bruce Wayne Rutherford, in a union that was a source of immense happiness and companionship. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure in their home in Wagoner, OK.

Shelly's professional life was marked by her dedication and hard work as a truck driver. She spent many years on the road, with the majority of her career dedicated to serving as a truck driver for the United States Postal Service. Her commitment to her work was paralleled only by her commitment to her family.

Family was the cornerstone of Shelly's world. She is survived by her loving husband, Bruce Rutherford, of the home in Wagoner, OK; her children, Roman Freeman and wife Bechut of DeBary, FL, Nicholas Freeman and wife Amber of Colorado Springs, CO, Amber Parker and husband Benjamin of Bixby, OK, Alisha Carbaugh and husband Bryan of Tulsa, OK, and Billy Rutherford and wife Angela of Broken Arrow, OK; her father and stepmother, Denver and Katie Hubbard of Locust Grove, OK; her grandchildren, Able Freeman, Alexander Freeman, Collin Freeman, Emelia Freeman, Noah Parker, Emma Parker, Sydney Carlyle, Ashton Carbaugh, Tayson Carbaugh, Bella Carbaugh, Landon Carbaugh, Noah Rutherford, and Blake Rutherford; her siblings, Joyce Reed and husband Kelvin of Locust Grove, Allen Hubbard and wife Sue Ann of Pryor, OK, Kathy Harmon of Tahlequah, OK, and Rebecca Hubbard of Locust Grove, OK; her sister-in-law, Susan Carter of Lavaca, AR; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Shelly was preceded in death by her mother, Marcella Hubbard, her brother, Ronney Hubbard, and her nephew, Brian Harmon

Shelly's interests were as varied as they were passionate. She found solace and creativity in quilting, a hobby that allowed her to leave a tangible piece of her love and artistry for others to cherish. Traveling was another of Shelly's passions, exploring new places and making memories with her family. Above all, spending time with her children and grandchildren was her greatest joy, seizing every opportunity to be with them, whether it was through singing praise music, which she loved, or fishing with her grandchildren, an activity that brought her immense pleasure.

Shelly's faith was a guiding light in her life, and her love for singing praise music filled her home with joy. Now, she sings with the angels in Heaven, free from pain and at peace. Her spirit, a beacon of love and faith, will continue to inspire those she has left behind.

A private family service will be held to honor Shelly's life and legacy.

Her family and friends are invited to share memories and celebrate Shelly's life online at www.brownfamilycares.com. Shelly's family entrusted her care and cremation to Brown Funeral Home & Cremations, 210 S. Broadway, Coweta, OK 74429, 918-486-5515.