Shirley Van Hoy Rutherford

Shirley Ann Van Hoy Rutherford, of Maryville, TN passed on Monday, February 19, 2024. She was 85 years old.  Shirley was born in Roanoke, VA on December 18, 1938, to the late Patsy Warren Van Hoy and Roy Winston Van Hoy, Sr. She was the seventh of seven children. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband Joe W. Rutherford, Jr.; three sisters, Sue Van Hoy LaRue, Bill Van Hoy Johnson, and Celia Van Hoy Cross; along with two brothers, Roy Winston (Van) Van Hoy, Jr. and Silas Raymon Wendell Van Hoy.

Shirley is survived by one sister, Patricia Van Hoy Lilley; two sons, Brian Keith Rutherford and his wife Susan,  Michael David Rutherford and his wife Kaye. Six grandchildren called her “Nannie”… Christopher Warren Rutherford, William David Rutherford, Justin Michael Rutherford, Winston Clark Rutherford, Abbigail Marion Rutherford, and Ashley Preston Rutherford. “Aunt” Shirley had 18 nieces and nephews.

Shirley lived most of her life in Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee. She graduated from Virginia High School in Bristol, Class of 1957. After graduation, she worked at The Record Shop in Bristol; surrounded by the music she loved, like Fats Domino, Nat King Cole, and Elvis. She loved dancing and classic movies. In 1961, Shirley married Joe W. Rutherford, Jr. and they had two sons, Keith and Michael. She was a tireless PTA and sports mom, both for her sons and grandchildren. She and Joe worked together in the family auto business and were married for 49 years until he passed in 2010. Shirley and her sisters were the cornerstones of the Van Hoy family. Her home was often the center of family get-togethers and Christmas eve celebrations. Shirley loved animals. Her favorite treats were true fountain Coca-Colas, fried green tomatoes, salt risen bread, cinnamon red hots, and pound cake (not necessarily in that order). She enjoyed reading, playing slots, and NASCAR racing. Her favorite number was 3, and her favorite color was red. She collected Raggedy Ann dolls and chicken glassware. But to most… she seemed happiest at home working in her yard or walking with her dogs. Shirley was a true southern woman, big heart, strong spirited and never short of opinion. She will be dearly missed.

The celebration of life and a graveside service for the family will be scheduled at a later date.

Shirley was passionate about her pets and all animals. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you support your local pet shelters and animal rescue organizations.