Patricia Cook-Rutherford

Patricia Ann “Pat” Kurnocik Cook-Rutherford, 73 of Cookeville, passed away suddenly on August 31, 2022 at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.

Pat was born on 6/6/1949, in Conway, PA to Paul William Kurnocik Sr and Eleanor Mary Windisch Kurnocik; both first-generation Americans of Slovakian and Austrian heritage. Pat was one of three children, (the oldest daughter), who grew up in a close knit community, surrounded by an abundance of close family and cousins. Pat was a devoted wife to her husband and companion (married 12/4/2008) of over 27 years, Roger Rutherford. She was a mother of three girls, “Nonnie” to six grandchildren and two great grandchildren (a third is due in January).

Pat was a retired registered nurse, who was not only dedicated to her job, but excelled in her field. She was a skilled trauma nurse, working in multiple high level trauma hospitals throughout the country, both as a staff nurse and in the traveling nurse program. Pat joined the Army Nurses Corps in 1989, after her oldest daughter graduated high school. She was a Gulf War Veteran, serving in the Army from 1989 to 2003, retiring with the rank of Captain.

Pat was an excellent and skilled cook, and for a short after she retired, she owned and operated a catering business in Murfreesboro. She especially enjoyed baking for her family and friends, her favorite thing to make was the traditional European desserts she had as a child.

Pat loved to travel, visiting many countries throughout the world in her lifetime; Austria being her favorite and India the most exotic. Never one to sit still, Pat had many hobbies: She loved to spend time in her yard gardening. Pat was an avid reader, who even tried her hand at writing, turning out several amateur novels over the years. She also loved to crochet and designing flower arrangements.

Pat is survived by husband Roger Rutherford of Cookeville. Sister Pamela Reddinger (Tom) of MN. Daughters Rebecca Ann (Nathaniel) Overpeck of Cookeville; Roberta Pease (partner William Summitt) of Roanoke, VA; Renee Cook of Christiansburg, VA. Grandchildren: William Samual “Sam” Cook, Amber (Josh) Shupe, Autumn Rose Cook, Nathaniel Joseph “Joey” Overpeck, Collin Thomas Overpeck, Ryan Patrick Overpeck. Great-grandchildren: Madilyn Cook and Michael Cook.

Preceding her in death were: her mother Eleanor Mary Windisch Kurnocik (2000), her father Paul William Kurnocik Sr (2006) and brother Paul William “Sonny” Kurnocik Jr. (2009)

Receiving of Friends and a Memorial Service were held Saturday, September 24 at 11 AM at the Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Home. Services were rendered by the Tennessee Nurses Honor Guard and the Veterans Honor Guard.

Dyer Chapel of Hooper Huddleston Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931) 526-7158. You may share your thoughts and memories at dyerfh.com.