Melvin O. Rutherford, 96, Chenoa died at 6:25 pm Sunday, January 8, 2012 at OSF St. James-John Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am Thursday, January 12, 2012 at the United Methodist Church, Chenoa with Rev. Carrie Carnes officiating. Burial will be in Chenoa Cemetery. Visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa and 9:30 to 10:15 am Thursday at the church. The family suggests memorials be given to the United Methodist Church, Chenoa or the American Diabetes Association.

Mr. Rutherford was born June 7, 1915 in Cisne, IL the son of James L. and Bessie Craig Rutherford. He married Lola K. Wilkins on July 5, 1939 in Pontiac, IL. She died on July 4, 1993.

Surviving are two sons, Don (Mary) Rutherford, Towanda, IL, Rick (Tammy) Rutherford, Hudson, IL, three grandchildren, Kathy (Rob) Schultz, Kristin (Mark) Kumpf and Matt Rutherford, four great grandchildren, Sarah and Megan Schultz, Adam and Nikki Kumpf.

He is preceded in death by five brothers, Harold, George, Elwood, Gerald and Jim "Jr" Rutherford, two sisters, Opal Wertz and Jenny Davis.

Mr. Rutherford was a lifelong farmer and livestock trader. He and Lola owned and operated Memory Lane Treasures Antique Shop. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Chenoa having served as a trustee. He also served on the Chenoa City Council, the Ocoya Grain Company board of directors and helped organize the Chenoa Community Sale for many years.

Melvin will be missed by his family and numerous friends, many of whom referred to him as Uncle Melvin.