Barbara Rutherford

Barbara Jean Rutherford (Lichte), 77 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Meyer Care Center in Higginsville. Barbara was born on Friday, October 15, 1948, in Lexington, Missouri, to Herman Lichte and Constance (Windmoeller) Lichte. She was a graduate of Lexington High School and later attended CMSU in Warrensburg. On December 11, 1970, she married Virgil "Lynn" Rutherford and together they shared 48 wonderful years. Barbara began her working career at the Higginsville Garment Factory before joining the USDA, where she dedicated more than 30 years of service until her retirement in 2012. She took great pride in her work, helping countless local farmers throughout the years. Barbara and Lynn made their home on a farm in Aullville, Missouri, where she was not just a farm wife but Lynn’s helping “hired hand.” She could often be found driving the grain cart or lending a hand wherever it was needed. She was an avid motorcycle enthusiast with Lynn and enjoyed riding with many local groups, making lifelong friendships along the way. Barbara and Virgil loved spending their winters as snowbirds in Florida, escaping the Missouri cold and soaking up the sunshine together. A devoted Kansas City Chiefs fan, Barbara never missed a game and cheered them on with passion. Above all else, she loved her family, especially her grandchildren who were the light of her life. Barbara’s kindness, laughter, and love for life will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community. Surviving are one daughter, Cindy (Adam) Hemme of Higginsville; two grandchildren, Morgan (Dale) Colborn, Logan (Madison) Hemme; and one great-grandchild, Rowan Colborn. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lynn Rutherford; one daughter, Jennifer Rutherford; and one brother, Chris Lichte. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. Private inurnment with just family will be held in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. A lunch social will be held after the visitation at Cindy's - 19886 Grange Rd. Higginsville, MO 64037. Memorials may be made to Three Rivers Hospice or Johns Knox Village - Memories Matter Walk to end Alzheimer’s.

Barbara Rutherford

October 15, 1948 - October 18, 2025