Ray Rutherford

Raymond Eugene “Ray” Rutherford was born on July 16, 1934, in Manilla, Iowa, to Raymond and Rose (Kruger) Rutherford. He attended school in Manilla and graduated with the class of 1952.

After high school, Ray joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953. A proud Marine throughout his life, he embodied the Marines’ motto, “Semper Fi” (“Always Faithful”), and inspired his three sons to serve the nation in the United States Air Force.

On June 7, 1957, Ray married Noreen “Kay” Ramsey in Council Bluffs, Iowa. They initially made their home in Manning, Iowa, before moving to San Diego for a brief period when Ray accepted a job making ice cream. Shortly thereafter, they returned to Manilla, where they settled and built a life together.

Ray’s work ethic was evident in every role he took on. Among his most memorable jobs were serving as the head of the ice cream section at the Manning Creamery, working as head custodian and school bus driver for Manilla Community Schools, and most notably, his work as a master carpenter. His craftsmanship shone in the many handmade gifts he lovingly created and shared with friends and family.

Ray enjoyed a variety of hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed fishing and playing cards with friends. In later years, he developed a deep affection for cats, particularly his ragdoll Raggs, whom he cherished for many years. A dedicated gardener, Ray earned several awards for his green thumb. He was also a proud member of the Manning VFW Post 3517.

Ray passed away on January 2, 2025, in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 90 years, five months, and 17 days. In addition to his parents, Raymond and Rose Rutherford, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marlys Karsten; brothers, Wayne Rutherford, Tom Rutherford, and Lanny Rutherford; brothers-in-law, Casey Karsten and Bob Sonderman; sister-in-law, Maureen Rutherford; nieces, Julie Rasmussen and Darcy Dammann; and nephew, Scot Rutherford.

Ray is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kay Rutherford of Manilla; sons, Kerry (Dreva) Rutherford of Urbandale, IA, Kevin (Steve Pirner) Rutherford of Falcon, CO, and Kyle (Jan) Rutherford of Earling, IA; 14 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; sisters, Diane Sonderman of Earling, and Gloria (Ron) Lohrmann of Manilla; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members and friends.

Visitation with family and friends will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m., all at the United Church of Manilla. Inurnment with military honors will take place in the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be allocated to organizations that were meaningful to Ray.