Obituary: Shannon Mae Rutherford

Shannon Mae Rutherford (Bennett) passed away on Dec. 2, 2018. She will be sorely missed by everyone who had the honor to know her.

Her journey of life began in McCook, NE, on Sept. 25, 1981, born to father Kelly Bennett and mother Mellody Kehr. Shortly after birth, the family relocated to Colorado. In April of 1988, Vista, CA, became her home until the age of 16 when she moved back to Colorado in 1997. She continued her studies in high school and worked as a waitress for Rev. Taylor's and Garden Gate Café in Niwot.

Shannon was an extraordinary artist. She made works of art that touched the soul. Her truest passion and talent were shown in her work making cakes and pastries. She worked in retail using these talents, but her career really started when she worked as a pastry chef for Whole Foods Market in 2003. Not only did she love her work, but she also made many lifelong friendships while working there. Following her career in retail she started her own business making desserts and cakes. She held several positions as a chef in many restaurants throughout Boulder County.

Her two proudest moments were when she married Shawn Rutherford on June 9, 2007 and welcomed their son Chayse Rutherford on Dec. 20, 2010.

She will be mostly remembered for her beautiful smile, contagious laugh and her amazing sense of humor. She had the face of true beauty and the heart of an angel.

Shannon is preceded in death by son Chance Rutherford, brother Tallan Shawn Bennett, grandfather Chester Bennett and many great uncles and a great aunt. She is survived by her grandmother Lois Bennett of Niwot, father and stepmother Kelly and Lori Bennett of Longmont, twin sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Brian Guse of Longmont, Shawn Rutherford and son Chayse Rutherford of Loveland, birth mother Mellody Kehr Wilson of Goshen, Indiana, adoptive mother Tina Bennett of Vista, California, uncle and aunt Kirk and Terry Bennett of Longmont, uncle and fiancé Kris Bennett and Carol Moore of Niwot, great aunt Arlene Werkmeister of Longmont, half-sisters Arielle and Megan Bennett, four nieces and one nephew of Longmont, as well as many cousins and extended family.

To remember Shannon's life, there will be a celebration of life gathering at 2 p.m. on Sunday Jan. 13, 2019, at Carroll-Lewellen Funeral Home, 503 Terry St., Longmont, CO.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Shannon's name to any FirstBank location, or mailed to FirstBank, PO Box 150097, Lakewood, CO 80215-9981.