Augusta Mae “Gussie” Rutherford, 85, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Resthaven Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK, 74601.
Gussie was born on August 31, 1940, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, to Jessie Glen Goad and Wynona Pauline Goddard Goad. She was raised in Newkirk, Oklahoma, and later made her home in Ponca City. On February 5, 1960, she married the love of her life, Roy Melvin Rutherford, in Newkirk, Oklahoma. Together they built a family centered on love, hard work, and caring for others. She dedicated 25 years of service to Ponca City Schools before retiring in 2004. During her working years, Gussie also cleaned houses and lovingly cared for elderly people in the community. She was known for her caring heart, strong work ethic, and willingness to help anyone in need. Gussie enjoyed fishing, cooking, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and “flexing her finger” to keep everyone smiling and laughing. Her family will remember her for her warmth, humor, and the love she gave so freely.
Gussie is survived by her daughters, Jovida Keller of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Dawn Rutherford of Ponca City, Oklahoma; her son, Roy L. Rutherford of Chickasha, Oklahoma; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brothers, Ronnie Goad; and sisters, Marsha Spangler and Susan Barnes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Rutherford; her son, Steven D. Rutherford; her parents, Jessie Glen Goad and Wynona Goad; brothers, Jim Goad and John Goad; and sister, Glenda Rhynard.
Pallbearers will be Roy L. Rutherford, Austin Blount, Lowman Keller, Robert Hoch, Tony Smith and Aaron Keller.