Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1955
DIED
2019
Deborah Rutland Obituary
Gulfport - Deborah C. "Debbie" Rutland, age 64, died Sunday, December 1, 2019, in Gulfport, MS. Debbie was born June 20, 1955. She graduated from Gulfport East High School in 1973 and attended USM for two years. She worked as an administrative assistant.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Gary Rutland and nephew Ehron Rachuba. She is survived by her parents, James E. and Frances Courtney Rutland, sister Brenda Rachuba (Keith) of Long Beach, and her fur babies whom she loved.
The family requests memorial donations to South MS Humane Society, 2615 25th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501 and the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 72123.
A visitation will be held Thursday, December 5, 2019, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m. at Victory Baptist Church, 6262 Williamsburg Road, Bassfield, MS. The service will follow at 1:30 p.m. Interment will be in Double Church Cemetery in Bassfield.
Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and sign the register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Rutland
Sponsored by the Hattiesburg American.
Sharolyn
June 20, 2025
Happy heavenly birthday Debbie. I declare, I miss you so much. Forever in my heart, Sharolyn
Sharolyn
September 18, 2024
I miss you Debbie, I declare. Sharolyn
Scott Hunter
November 28, 2022
A wonderful person with the best telephone voice I have ever heard...it was a joy to know her and just speak to her on the phone.
Much missed.
Scott Hunter/Raymond James Branch Manager
Tara Bradley
January 17, 2020
Just finding out about this. I loved Debbie dearly. Wish we had known and we would have been there. To Francess, Jimmy, and Brenda my heart breaks for y'all. Y'all are and will be in my prayers. Debbie was such a sweet, kind soul. There will never be another like her.
Debby Tisdale Mayne
December 12, 2019
Debbie was one of the sweetest people I've ever known. She was my KD little sister at USM, and we had some wonderful times together. I especially loved her sweet smile and gentle demeanor. I'll continue praying for the family and all of those who knew and loved her.
Roger and Nancy Stuckey
December 6, 2019
If this is the Rutland Family that lived on 22av near telephone Office and Jimmy worked Pho Co. Frame at Edgewater I read with Sadness of the Loss of your Beautiful Daughter Debbie.Jimmy,Frances and Family You are all in our Thoughts and Prayers during this very Difficult Time!
Jane Hayes Smith
December 5, 2019
I also went to high school with Debbie and remember her as such a sweet, caring person. Please know that I will keep Debbie's family and friends in my prayers. God bless.
Vicki Smith
December 4, 2019
Debbie was my first roommate at USM and was a lovely and sweet person. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cherrie Mitchell
December 4, 2019
Love and prayers. I'm so very sorry. Debbie had a smile that could light up a room. Sweet KD Sister
Sue Hall
December 4, 2019
Debbie and I were Kappa Deltas together at USM. She was a sweet, gentle, caring person. I'm holding you all in my prayers . Sue Hall
Shirley Hardaman
December 4, 2019
I had the pleasure of hiring Deb as Jim Hardaman's Administrative Assistant at Raymond James Financial Services Gulfport office. I became very close to her over the past six years. She was a gentle soulsweet, kind, compassionate. Deb never had a harsh word to say about anyone. She was so even-tempered and had impeccable telephone manners! Clients loved to hear her sweet voice. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her, especially by Jim and me.
Scott Hunter
December 4, 2019
Loved that beautiful Mississippi Magnolia voice...will miss her.
Scott Hunter
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Deborah Rutland's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Deborah Rutland
How to support Deborah's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Deborah Rutland's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
