Ferrell Lee Rutherford

Ferrell "Shorty" Rutherford of Braceville, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at St. Joseph Eastland Hospital in Warren. Born in Braceville, Ohio, the son of the late Ervin Rutherford Sr. and Doris (Taylor) Summers. On July 29, 1972, he married the love of his life Deborah L. Turkovich with whom he shared 53 wonderful years of marriage. Shorty was employed at General Motors Lordstown for 46 years, retiring in 2017. During his tenure he was active in the union, serving in various leadership positions including his last the top administrative assistant to the UAW Shop Chairman. In addition to his professional contributions, he was committed to his community. He was a member of the Mercy in Action Ministry in Warren where he was a board member and head of their food pantry. Shorty enjoyed fishing and cherished family vacations, particularly cruises with family and friends. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and served those around him at the drop of a hat. He loved his family and love to spend time with them. He also had a love for junk food, which would usually be accompanied by his bragging about the new record of ice cream cones he ate on his most recent cruise and was an ice cream connoisseur. This gives a glimpse of his ability to always bring a smile to someone's face and not take life too seriously, while help others to do the same. Shorty had a strong work ethic that was passed on to the generations after him. Surviving are his wife: Deborah L. Rutherford; sons James Rutherford, Joe Rutherford and John Rutherford (Nicole); grandchildren Jake (Averi) Rutherford, Lauren (Jason) Perkins, Justin (Hannah) Rutherford, Cassandra Pleacher, Madison, Johnny and Rocco Rutherford; 4 great-grandchildren; sisters Sue Brady-Rosado, Helen (Tom) Johnson, Doris (Bill) Pogue; and brothers George (Cindy) Rutherford, Sr., John (Michelle) Rutherford, and Ervin (Kathy) Rutherford, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents Ervin Rutherford Sr. and Doris (Taylor) Summers; brothers Fred Rutherford, Earl Wayne Rutherford Sr.; and daughter-in-law Julie R. Rutherford (James' wife). The memory of his jokes- pranks, laughter, servant heart, love for those around him, provides warmth and comfort to those grieving this difficult time and will live on for years to come. He had a one of a kind feel about him and he will be dearly missed. Most of all Shorty will forever be remembered as a great provider and giver to his family and his friends. Calling hours will be held at the James Funeral Home in Newton Falls on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 from 5:00- 8:00pm. Funeral services will be at the Mercy in Action Ministries Church in Warren on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 11:00am. Shorty will be laid to rest at Braceville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that all donations please be made to the Mercy in Action Ministry Food Pantry 3555 Tod Ave. NW Warren, OH 44485 in his memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to the James Funeral Home, 8 East Broad Street, Newton Falls, OH 44444 (330)872-5440. Family and friends may view his obituary online or to send condolences, please visit us at www.jamesfuneralhomeinc.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ferrell Lee Rutherford, please visit our floral store.