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Helen Elizabeth Rutherford, a resident of Oklahoma City (formerly of Sulphur) was born January 5, 1915 in Sulphur, Oklahoma to James Joseph & Mary (Gephart) Ward. She passed away Wednesday November 13, 2013 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 98 years 10 months and 8 days. The oldest of six children, Helen learned responsibility and dependability at a very young age. These qualities prepared her for the unforseen future she later faced when her husband lost his life in an oil field accident, leaving her with three young children to raise. She accepted this challenge with characteristic resiliency, taking on a variety of jobs to support her family. Her first job as a widowed mother was at Braden's Dairy Plant for 5 years until the company sold. Next, she was fortunate to get a job with the new doctor in town, Dr. Jack McDonald, for whom she served as both office manager and nurse for 17 years. After Dr. Donald left Sulphur, she worked at Okla. School for the Deaf until her retirement at age 70. She hen worked with first graders in the local Head Start program where she was known as "Grandma Helen". Helen was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School and serving as class secretary. At age 92, Helen moved to Oklahoma City to be near her daughters. She moved to the Statesman Club, an independent living center where she met many new friends, served on the board of directors and was a substitute teacher for the exercise classes. Helen requested that she be buried without her shoes. When asked why, she replies, "They might slow me down on my way to Heaven." She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; 4 siblings; a son: Bruce Rutherford; and a grandson: Clay Culver. Survived by her 2 daughters & son-in-law: Pat Sherga of Norman, OK. Jan and Ken Culver of Okla. City, OK. Sister: Rachel Beavers of Mountain Home, AR. 3 grandchildren: Jack Sherga , Joe Sherga, Kristin Culver 2 great-grandchildren & spouse: Morgan McGill, Lindsay and Matt Nelson, 4 great-great-grandchildren: Milan McGill, Jax Nelson, Selah Nelson, Sophie Nelson Pallbearers: Jack Sherga, Joe Sherga, Ed Ward, Ken Culver, Tony Basolo, David Pittman Services will be held Saturday November 16, 2013 at 2:00 pm at Calvary Baptist Church officiated by Rev. James Swain and Rev. Clay Shannon. Burial will be at Oaklawn Cemetery under the direction of DeArman's Clagg Funeral Home

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Helen Elizabeth Rutherford

January 5, 1915 - November 13, 2013