Carolina Kay Rutherford came from a long line of strong women. Her great grandmother was Canadian Cree, married to a French fur trader; her grandmother was a migrant worker who raised 9 children; her mother raised four children before adopting two more. She showed the world the true meaning of bravery and strength as she fought a courageous battle with cancer. Her last days were spent traveling to Boise to meet her newest grandson. On the trip home, June 14, 2017, with her parents and another grandson, Carolina gained her wings and decided it was time to fly. She was 51 years old.
Carolina was born in Townsend, Montana, on January 3, 1966. She moved with her parents to North Carolina but came back to Montana a year later. She attended school in Helena and graduated from Project for Alternative Learning in 1984. Carolina’s children, Jonathan, Bobbi Jo, and Treg, were the love of her life. She dedicated herself to their care, promoting their education, attending little league baseball and later legion games, attending music and band recitals, taking them fishing and hiking. Being surrounded by family and friends filled her heart whether it was playing card games or just reminiscing and laughing. Her love of the Montana outdoors began at an early age when the family camped every summer weekend making Avalanche Gulch a second home. She then enjoyed Montana on the back of a motorcycle, annual Rocking The Rivers concert, hiking and camping as much as possible. Her career in retail sales developed over decades, as she worked for Ideal Services, Super8, and J.C. Penny’s. When severe arthritis took its toll and she was no longer able to work, she devoted all of her time and energy to her grandchildren.
Nothing would make her happier than having her grandsons, Dante’, Donevin, and Dakai, playing games, watching movies and spending the night. Each sleepover was more like an indoor camping trip, as they crowded her bed. Even as her health deteriorated, she would brighten and re-energize as she would talk with them on the phone, send Snapchats, or welcome them with open arms. Her boys were her strength and reason and encouragement to continue.
Her last weeks were her happiest and most content. She spent a weekend with her daughter and grandsons, hanging out at home with mom, dad and sister, even enjoying her brother stopping by after work just to tease her. The power of love enabled her to make her last road trip to visit her oldest son, daughter-in-law and meet her new pride and joy, Barrett.
In the end, she won her fight by showing all of us how to rise above and leave a beautiful legacy of family, love and true class in the face of incredible adversity. She continues to show through all who knew her, an example of how to live in true beauty. Every bell rings for her.
Carolina is survived by her mother and dad Patsy and Jack Oberweiser, former partner and life friend Buzz Roberts, sons, Jonathan (Karissa) Hammond, Treg Roberts ( Kimber)Hill , daughter Bobbi (Brandon)Vallance, grandsons(her pride and Joy, Dante, Donevin and Dakai Vallance, grand-daughters Olivia and Maddie Hill, and newly arrived grandson Barrett Hammond, brothers Richard (Karen) Rutherford , James (Stephanie) Rutherford, Tony (Kristy) Oberweiser , sisters Jonelle LaPiere, and Sireena (Matt)Neupauer , countless nieces, nephews , aunts, uncles and cousins. She was pre-deceased by her grandmother Esther Baker, grandparents Vern & Edna Brown, and patriarch Big John LaPiere.
Carolina meant so much to so many. She built incredible and unbreakable bonds with so many of those she met. We may not feel you, we may not hear you, we may not see you but in our hearts and in our minds you will forever remain. Nothing can separate you, not time, not space, not death. We love you always and forever. Fly high, rest well, and be free.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday June 20, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following her celebration of life
Tuesday June 20, 2017
Indian Alliance
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday June 20, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Immediately following her celebration of life
Tuesday June 20, 2017
Indian Alliance
501 Euclid Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
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Terri Sparks says
Carolina….you were very brave woman. My condolences to your mom & dad… Bobbie Jo & Brandon and those 4 young grandson’s of yours! Thanks for the memories of working together at JCP… Fly high little lady!
Terri Sparks,
Butte
A. & M. HERRIGES says
Bobbijo ,Brandon , Dante,Donevin & Dakai & patsy & Jack & family I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s been an honor to know you all & pray for Carolina, she has rung that bell & is at peace now with her maker! Heaven has gained one of earth’s most beautiful!.God bless you all!
Tyler Zimmer says
Carolina was purely and simply one of a kind. She opened her heart to me very quickly and make me feel like one of the family. We only got to meet over a few meals, or while Jack and I had a beverage. But, I got to know her quickly, and I got to know how important she was to my favorite Helena family. I will miss Carolina, but she will be forever proud of her boys, and will forever watch over Jack and Patsy. God bless this family and all they have done for me.
Sandi Meyers says
Pasty and Jack,
I am so sorry to read about your beautiful daughter Carolina. I was never fortunate enough to meet her.What a blessing that she got to see her new grandchild before she passed. All of the family is in my thoughts and prayers. Big hugs for my beautiful cousin Patsy! Love to all.
Sherri & Bill says
Patsy, Jack, Bobbi & Brandon
Our precious little angel is now flying free ~ without the pains & trials she so bravely fought. She fought a might battle, but sadly lost the war.. She is leaving behind beautiful memories and millions of tears by those of us who love her. Thoughts & prayers to all who knew her ~ May your grief subside, but the memories last forever… Rest a little Carolina ~ then soar like the eagle you are for eternity…. Love & miss you little one.
Sherri & Bill says
Jonathan, Treg, Karissa & Kimber – Sorry I messed up & sent before I added your names above.. Thoughts and prayers are with all you you at this terrible time… Remember this amazing lady, each time you look in the tender faces of your children… She is leaving a heritage that will never be forgotten…
Kim Bieber says
Jack and Patsy, Jon and family. So sad to hear about Carolinas death. Thinking of you all!
Cheri Long says
Jack and Patsy: I am so sorry to hear of Carolina’s passing — and your tremendous. Sending loving thoughts and hugs to your family.
Kaysee Williams says
Bobbi and Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Carolina was such a strong beautiful soul full of love. She will be missed. Lots of love, hugs, and prayers your way. ?
Jessica Agner says
My friend, you gave me hope that there is true goodness in the world. I cherish your friendship and admire your strength. I will miss you more than words allow.
Dick Paulsen says
Time flies and now so does Carolina. What a sweet, smart and helpful lady she was. She came to work with me as a temp when I directed the Montana Immunization Program in the 80-90’s. It was a very complicated and busy job with the responsibility of making sure all of the 70+ public clinics across the state had their orders for vaccine filled, packaged and shipped properly. Oh, there was that computer thing too (it was new to the world). She skillfully ran a one-man (woman) warehouse! Oh, we also send information to every school in Montana too. Our program clerk was the key to everything working smoothly. Enough back ground. So, Carolina shows up with her huge smile and wits, fits right in and made our days sail along. I remember she had her little boys that she also cared so much about. Whenever I had a clerical opening, I asked for Carolina (PLEASE!!). So sorry about her getting so sick and passing way too soon. Whenever I ever think about her it will be with a total grin, knowing she will be grinning right back at me. God bless to all of her family, her (not so little) boys and the little ones.
Laurie (Ditto) Sticht says
Carolina and I both attended The PAL High School. I really got to know her when we were both pregnant with our first babies and due nearly at the same time. We shared concerns and fears, but I knew right away she was stronger than I was… and quick to laugh off her fears/ troubles. She helped me to be less fearful and more confident, even though she was younger and shorter than I was! She always seemed so confident and fearless, which really impressed me! We had different friends, but I was always drawn to her because of her big smile and radiant confidence. Of course she had her baby first (Jonathan), and rather than telling me it was “difficult” or anything else, she let me believe it would be fairly natural and easy. I graduated and soon after had lost touch, but I remember feeling sad about not associatin with her much any more. I would later have the privelege of working in the Cogswell building when we were both with the State of Montana! We would always try to take our breaks at the same time so we could visit, so we did some “catching up” on each other’s lives, sharing pictures of our babies (she had Bobbie Jo by then), problems at work, and even enjoyed lunch together on occasion. As Mr. Paulson stated, she was good at her job and always able to work through problems, and became my mentor again, as I was newer than she, to the system. I will always remember her to be a strong confident, and very kind individual, definitely full of love and compassion for others–especially for her family. I know she loves each of them SO much! An amazing woman, friend, and mother, in such a small and powerful package! She had qualities I still aspire to! I was not the best at staying in touch, and now regret not doing so. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to her family. I know she will stay busy in heaven, although she will be happier than ever, and smiling down on every sweet one of them (us)!! ❤