Karroll Francis Rutherford

September 21, 1949 - October 11, 2019

Karroll Rutherford, of Brinkley, passed away at the age of 70. She was born in Brinkley, a daughter of Karl and Barbara Oliver. She was one of two girls sharing a home with five brothers. At an early age, she received opportunity to live with her grandmother, in Hickman, Kentucky. While there, she was able to receive education at the local school, then as a young teenager returned to Brinkley.

In her lifetime, Karroll was blessed to experience marriage with two husbands, first to James K. Smith, and later Frederick Rutherford. Being a proud patriot of her country, she was honored that both husbands served in the military. She continued her love of country through her lifetime membership with the VFW Post in Monroe County.

Along with being a homemaker, she was privileged to be a mother of four children. She enjoyed caring and providing for them and was blessed to see them mature and begin families of their own. Later, she was blessed to become grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

For a time, Karroll worked at the Brinkley Motor Products formerly known as Wagner Electric and also spent time on the road as a truck driver.

She was preceded in death by her father, Karl Oliver, her husbands, James Smith and Frederick Rutherford, and one brother, Jim Oliver. Karroll is survived by sons, Karl Smith (Sissy), David Smith and Joseph Smith; daughter, Kennie Lynn Essig; brothers, Doug Fowler (Renae), Tommy Fowler (Jacque), Keith Fowler (Dianne), and Robert Oliver (Dottie); sister, Maye Ella Allen; mother, Barbara Lanning (Bill); 12 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Services were on Wednesday, October 16, at Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Brinkley. Burial was on Thursday, October 17, at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons.