Thelma Rutherford

Thelma Lois Rutherford was born in Vinita, Oklahoma, on Thursday, July 4, 1935, the daughter of Glen and Della (Montgomery) Nading. She passed this life on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the age of 90. Thelma graduated from Vinita High School in Vinita, Oklahoma, with the class of 1954. The former Miss Thelma Lois Nading was married to Randall Forrest Rutherford, Sr. on August 8, 1954, in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Together they had two children. Thelma was primarily a homemaker and worked alongside Forrest at Felt’s Family Shoe Store, where he was a managing partner. From 1954 to 1995, Forrest and Thelma operated the Felt’s Family Shoe Store on Main Street in Broken Arrow. The couple began and built their family in Broken Arrow and were key figures in the community. They were active in civic organizations, such as the Jaycees, and supported the community, especially on Friday nights in the fall at Broken Arrow High School football games. Thelma and Forrest were committed Tigers fans and held season tickets for over 50 years. Outside of Broken Arrow, Thelma enjoyed annual fishing trips with Forrest to Canada, and together they frequented more local fishing spots in northwest Arkansas. She and Forrest explored many destinations across the United States over their 65 years of life together. Known affectionately as Nana, Thelma’s greatest joy came from spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who she was always prepared to brag on. She had the privilege of knowing her great-grandchildren. Thelma was a member of Arrow Heights Baptist Church. The family requests memorials to Arrow Heights Baptist Church, 3201 South Elm Place, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012 Thelma is survived by, Children, Randy Rutherford and wife Kim, Broken Arrow, OK Rusty Rutherford and wife Jeanien, Broken Arrow, OK Grandchildren, Jeff and Amanda Rutherford, Justin and Kasey Rutherford, Lauren and Sam Miers, Jillian and Scott Bell Great Grandchildren, Kendall, Evelynn, Evan, Lottie, Walter, and Ila Sister Wilma Blackford and husband, Terry Brother Don Nading and wife, Sharon Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Forrest, and her brother James. The family requests memorials to: Arrow Heights Baptist Church 3201 South Elm Place Broken Arrow, OK 74012

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Thelma Rutherford

July 4, 1935 - February 9, 2026