Twilla McCallum Rutherford, age 99, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, at Union County Health and Rehab.
Funeral services honoring the life of Ms. Twilla will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2026, in the chapel of Flat Rock Baptist Church, with Bro. Randy Buse, Bro. John Mark Jarrett, and Bro. Bobby Butler officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in the Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
Born on August 30, 1927, in Marshall County, Ms. Twilla was the daughter of the late Earl and Georgia Goode McCallum. A graduate of Potts Camp High School, she was a devoted homemaker, a faithful member of Flat Rock Baptist Church, and a woman whose love for her family, faith, and community touched countless lives. She was married to the late W.C. “Dick” Rutherford, with whom she shared many cherished years.
Known affectionately as “Boss” because of her remarkable work ethic, Ms. Twilla was a strong, hardworking woman who took great pride in everything she did. She loved the outdoors, treasured her farm, and found her greatest joy in spending time with her family. She never wanted to miss an opportunity to support her loved ones and was always there to cheer them on at their many activities and special events.
Ms. Twilla also had a wonderful sense of adventure and a love for traveling that never faded with age. She especially enjoyed traveling with her dear friend, Billie Yates, and her wonderful tour guides, Gerald and Becky Hegan, along with her beloved traveling buddies. Whether she was cruising, riding in a hot-air balloon, or zip-lining, she embraced life with enthusiasm and a willingness to try something new. Her adventurous spirit and zest for life were an inspiration to those around her.
Her faith remained a guiding part of her life, and she dearly loved her church and church family at Flat Rock Baptist Church, where she was an active member of the Woman’s Missionary Union. She was also well known throughout the community and proudly served on the FSA County Committee. Ms. Twilla leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, hard work, adventure, and unconditional love. She will be remembered for her determination, her devotion to those she loved, and the remarkable life she lived over her 99 years.
Those left to cherish her precious memory include five grandchildren, Micheal Kelly (Susan) of Rienzi, P.J. Kelly (Andrea) of New Albany, Carolee Bullwinkel of New Albany, Justin Rutherford of New Albany, and Beth Roberson (Luke) of New Albany; thirteen great-grandchildren, Holley Burks (Mike), Jordan Kelly, Cora Beth Kelly, Hunter Berryman, Gunnar Kirkman (Tessa), Pacey Kelly, Khloe Braddock, Ellie Estes, Montana Bullwinkel, Peyton Bullwinkel, Jack Rutherford, Annabelle Roberson, and Brody Roberson; four great-great-grandchildren, Easton Pannell, Josie Suddeth, Tripp Burks, and Sadie Burks; one daughter-in-law, Pam Rutherford; and one sister-in-law, Peggy McCallum. She also leaves behind her dear friends at Flat Rock Baptist Church and her cherished traveling buddies, who shared so many wonderful memories and adventures with her.
In addition to her parents, Ms. Twilla was preceded in death by her beloved husband, W.C. “Dick” Rutherford; one son, David Micheal Rutherford; one daughter, Phyllis Rutherford Kelly; five brothers, Jack McCallum, Lynn McCallum, Joe McCallum, Vleet McCallum, and F.A. “Red” McCallum; and two sisters, Alene Randolph and Dorothy Forrester.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Micheal Kelly, P.J. Kelly, Justin Rutherford, Jordan Kelly, Jack Rutherford, Gunnar Kirkman, Peyton Bullwinkel, Luke Roberson, Brody Roberson, Lance McCallum, and Gary McCallum. Honorary pallbearers are Glen Smith, Mike McCord, David Hill, and the deacons of Flat Rock Baptist Church.
In keeping with Ms. Twilla’s wishes, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in lieu of flowers.
Ripley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rutherford family during this time and invites you to share memories and condolences with the family.
