Mary Peters Rutland, 78, passed away peacefully in her home on July 23rd. She was born on
July 11, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois to John and Jewell Peters. On June 14, 1969 she married Dr.
Harry M. Rutland Jr. They were married for 46 years before Harry passed away on June 21,
2015.
Mary grew up in Birmingham, AL where she graduated from Woodlawn High School and later
graduated from The University of Alabama. She then moved to Marshall County where she
started her teaching career at Carlisle Park Middle School. After teaching for a few years, Mary
became a homemaker and mother.
Mary was an active member of Guntersville First Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday
School and served in many leadership positions and ministries. She was also a longtime
member of the King’s Mountain Chapter of the DAR. She was involved in many clubs and
community organizations in Guntersville.
She treasured time spent with family and especially her time spent as “May” to her 3
grandchildren.
She is survived by her sons, Dr. John G. Rutland (Kelli) of Guntersville and Dr. Harry M. Rutland
III (Kara) of Alpharetta, GA; a daughter Leanne Rutland Bugg (Ben) of Opelika, AL; and 3
grandchildren, Brady and Ella Rutland and Mary Caroline Bugg. She is also survived by 2
brothers, Edwin Hoyt Peters (Marsha) of Pulaski, TN and Owen Massey Peters (Lois) of
Guntersville, AL; a sister Jean Peters Harwell (Tommy) of Livingston, AL, sister in law, Florence
Peters of Alabaster, AL. and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her
brother William Elliott Peters.
The funeral will be held July 27th at Guntersville First Presbyterian Church with Dr. Joel
Samuels officiating. Ms. Rutland will be buried in Crestview Cemetery. The family suggests
memorials be made to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice or The Presbyterian Children’s Home.
