Wanda Maye (Gilley) Rutherford
Mar 29, 1926 - Sep 4, 2014
Posted by: Ann Weber

 

Wanda Maye (Gilley) Rutherford age 88 of Purcell, OK passed away Thursday, September 4, 2014 in Oklahoma City, OK. She was born March 29, 1926 in rural Wynnewood, OK. She was the oldest of six children born to Ernest Lee Gilley and Mabel (Lewis) Gilley. Wanda grew up on a farm where she learned how to work hard as a young girl. Her early years were growing up in Wynnewood, Byars and later the Wayne community where she graduated from high school in 1944 as salutatorian. Wanda was very athletic during her high school years, played basketball and was team captain. She also played trombone. After high school, Wanda briefly worked at the Kennedy Drug Store in Purcell. She later earned a teaching certificate from East Central University in Ada, OK.

Wanda married Bill Young of Wayne, OK. They formed an oilfield drilling business which lead them to many states, including, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming and Montana. Wanda began working for Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company where she worked in sales and marketing. She was the first business office manager for Mountain States in Bozeman, Montana. She then transferred to Westport, Washington with Pacific NW Telephone Co. She was also co-owner of a commercial fishing company during this time. While she was in Washington, she earned a general associate degree, majoring in business and journalism. She also earned a certificate in proficiency in real estate from SPSCC, Olympia, WA and a certificate and licensure in architecture and interior design from Clover Park College in Tacoma, WA. Wanda was very active in her community and was the “best” fisherman, golfer and bridge player. She was Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year four times and first Woman of the Year in the American Business Women of America, Olympia chapter. She was sweetheart of Beta Sigma Phi, president of Beta several years as well as Olympia Golf and Country Club. She was a Washington Master Gardener and tutor of math and general grade school subjects. After retirement from the telephone company, she began selling real estate and was a member of the “Million Dollar Club”.

Wanda married John J. Rutherford in 1970. After their retirement, they traveled extensively. In Wanda’s own words, “I am a daughter, sister, aunt, niece, great aunt, cousin, fisherman and a volunteer at the Governor’s office and mansion. Most of all, I am a believer in God and by so doing, I help my neighbors, strangers, relatives and friends-however they need help. My greatest pleasures were touring with my late husband, John and brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Peggy Gilley, also going to Asia, with my sister, Colleen Stanton”. After John passed away, Wanda returned to Purcell to be near family. She was a faithful member of the Westside Church of Christ in Lexington.

She is preceded in death by: Parents, Ernest and Mabel Gilley; Husband, John Rutherford; One sister, Mildred Whitehead; One brother, Don Gilley;

She is survived by: One sister, Colleen Stanton of Oklahoma City, OK; Two brothers, Harold Gilley and wife Jerry of Tulsa, Ron Gilley and wife Peggy of Purcell; One uncle, Clayton Gilley and wife Marie of Oklahoma City; Sister-in-law, Wanda Gilley of Brownfield, TX; As well as many nieces, nephews, grand and great grand nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM. Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at Wilson-Little Funeral Home Chapel, 127 S. Canadian Street in Purcell, OK. Interment will be at the Lexington Cemetery in Lexington, OK.