Michael Joseph Rutherford

Michael Joseph Rutherford (Mike, Mikey, Mikey Joe) departed this earth on the first day of spring, the time for new beginnings, March 20, 2022, to start his own new beginning with Jesus the Christ.  He joins his grandparents and his cousin, Keely, to begin his new life of immense joy and love, full of peace and the glory of God.  He was born April 14, 1985.  He leaves behind his dad and mom, Benny and Annie Rutherford; his sister and brother-in-law, Benna and Jason Williams; his niece and nephew, Charlotte and Henry Williams.  He leaves behind aunts and uncles and cousins and friends.  He leaves behind a huge hole in the hearts of all these people and more, as well as a huge void in the earth’s beauty.  Mike loved this earth; he loved to explore its depths in caves; he loved to walk its grassy fields as well as the forests among the solitude of trees; he loved to kayak its waters with or without the accompaniment of companions.  He loved to listen to its waterfalls and leave gifts of rock sculptures for hikers to find and be awed.  He loved to share these adventures with anyone who was interested in going with him.  He loved giving big, warm, all-encompassing hugs; he loved giving out joy through his beautiful smile that had I love you all over it and spilled onto whoever was the lucky recipient.  He loved sharing books, plants, ideas, work, game-playing, porch swing-sitting, dancing.  He loved yoga and was an awesome yoga instructor. Mike had the biggest and most giving heart. He was always thinking of others and how he could help them or make them feel better. Whether it was building a treasure chest, making the whole room roar with laughter, or just being there with you.  And he loved his family the most, from the smallest cousin to the oldest aunt and uncle. He never wanted to miss a family gathering, and he never stopped talking about his niece and nephew.  He was a great uncle.    He was a most unique individual, and he will be missed beyond measure.  There will be a visitation for Mike on Saturday, March 26th from 11 a.m. until service time at 1 p.m. at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown. Pastor Jeff Wiggs will officiate the service with burial to follow at Leamington Cemetery near Junction.