On Friday, February 3, 2017, Mary Magdalene Rutter Love, 92, passed from the arms of her loving family into the arms of her Heavenly Father at Franklin Woods Community Hospital following a brief illness.
Mary was reunited with her beloved husband, Howard Love, who preceded her in death on April 9, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Luther Lee Rutter and Sally Kate Barker Rutter; a sister, Ruth Dillon; and brothers, Charlie Rutter, Ronnie Rutter, Don Rutter, Bill Rutter and Luther Lee Rutter Jr.
Mary was born in Dunham, Ky., and spent her childhood years in Andover, Va. She graduated from Appalachia High School. Mary later moved to Elizabethton, Tenn., where she and Howard made their home. Most recently she lived in Mountain City, Tenn.
Mary was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, who we love, admire, respect and will miss beyond measure.
Mary leaves behind to honor and cherish her memory her sons, Russell L. Love and wife Kathie, and Richard A. Love; granddaughter, Denise Norris and husband Joel; and her great-grandson, Hank Russell Norris, who was her pride and joy. She is also survived by sisters, Alice Duncan, Iva Jean Rutter and Margaret Gay Quesada. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Mary was a member of Borderview Christian Church and served as treasurer for the Ladies’ Sunday School Class. Mary worked in the garment industry before becoming a salesperson and buyer for Parks-Belk, where she retired after many years of service.
Mary enjoyed family time, especially with her great-grandson, Hank. In years past, she enjoyed her rose garden; red roses were her favorite. Mary enjoyed Southern Gospel and Bluegrass music. Most recently she loved the companionship of her two dogs, Maisie and Charlie, who loved laying at her feet awaiting treats she delighted in sneaking to them.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mary’s medical team and nursing staff of the ICU/PCU at Franklin Woods Community Hospital; Johnson County EMS; Dr. James Shine and Kathleen Reece of Mountain States Medical Group; Kelsey Gentry and Michelle Green of Silver Angels; Amedisys Home Health of Mountain City; and special friends, David and Susan Quave.
Services for Mary Love were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 5, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with Minister Scott Fisher officiating. Visitation began at 2 p.m. Music was provided by Scott Reynolds, Ray Don Markland, Joel Norris and Quint and Barry Reece. Interment was at 3 p.m. Monday, February 6, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers were Russell Love, Richard Love, Joel Norris, Joe Stewart, David Quave and Scott Reynolds. Honorary pallbearers were Ken Calloway, George Ritchie, Terry Oliver, Dr. Phil Jones, Dr. James Shine and Earl Ellis. Family and friends assembled at the funeral home at 2:20 p.m. Monday to go to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Borderview Christian Church, 1338 Bristol Highway, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Condolences may be made at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Love family.