Betty June Rutherford

Betty June Jones Rutherford, 81, of Johnson City, Tennessee, gained her beautiful wings after suffering a stroke on Friday, December 23, 2022.

Betty was born to Elmer and Pearl Dunn Jones on March 23, 1941, in the Forge Creek Community of Johnson County.

She was a 1959 graduate of Johnson County High School, where she was the artist for her senior yearbook and crowned Mrs. JCHS her senior year. She met her love, Billie J. Rutherford, and married him on June 30, 1961. Soon after their wedding, they moved to Johnson City, where they made their home in the Martindale/Pinecrest community. Betty was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church.

She was a licensed Medical Lab Technician and worked 41 years for Plasma Biological/Grifols, where she was lovingly known as “Mrs. Betty” by her work family and donors.

Along with her loving parents, Betty was preceded in death by: her husband, Billie J. Rutherford; and one brother, Paul Jones.

Those remaining to cherish her memory include: two sons, Mark Rutherford and Doug Rutherford; one daughter, Sheila (Brian) Miller; five grandchildren, Dakota Rutherford, Jacob (Catherine) Miller, Heath (Megan) Rutherford, Zachary Miller, and Kaylee Miller; six great-grandchildren, Reagan, Liam, Jack, Finn, Lilyanna, and Rhiannon; one brother, Ray (Debbie) Jones; one sister-in-law, Lois Jones; two aunts, Ethel Banks and Peggy Rutherford; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, who were all loved by Betty very much.

Betty and her granddaughter Kaylee shared a special term of endearment every time they were together. Betty would say, “I love you better than a dog loves a bone.” Kaylee would reply, “I love you better than a cat loves cream.” Betty, Kaylee wants you to know that she “loves you better than a cat loves cream. Always.”

A very special “thank you” to Brooke Beaupre, the EMTs, Johnson City Medical Center ER and ICU staff members for their wonderful care for Betty, and to our family and friends for everything you’ve done for us during this difficult time.

In accordance to Betty’s wishes, she will be buried with her husband, at the Mountain Home V.A. National Cemetery, 53 Memorial Avenue Mountain Home, TN 37684.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the family of Betty Rutherford. 423-282-1521.