Sheila Ann Mutter

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess named Sheila Ann.

The oldest of seven, she was born in Tazewell County, Virginia, to Bob and Dorothy Rutherford, moving to Ohio as an adolescent. She later married, and gave birth to not one, but two amazing, witty, smart, and humble daughters - Teresa Lynn Cordle Berry and Michelle Cordle Darby.

Years later, she divorced, began a career in banking, and raised her children. She then reconnected with her prince charming, Alvin "Buddy" Mutter, who just so happened to have been her elementary school boyfriend. They married and set out on a life together. Sadly, Al didn't get to stay as long as we would've liked, passing in 2002.

Ever resilient, our beautiful, smart, and strong princess, continued on. She volunteered at the Salem Public Library and completed hundreds of crossword puzzles and countless games of Words With Friends. She doted on her grandchildren - Kemper and Ryland Darby. She was an amazing cook, talented seamstress and quilter, dedicated recycler, avid reader and books on-tape listener, as well as an armchair attorney, having watched enough judge shows to qualify for an honorary law degree.

From Elvis to the Statler Brothers, Rod Stewart to Chris Stapleton, and Jon Bon Jovi, Sheila loved all genres and styles of music. It was something she passed onto her daughters from an early age, playing eight-track tapes and vinyl on a refurbished and retrofitted Victrola cabinet.

Aside from her family, she loved yellow roses, butterflies, and the beach. She especially loved her fur babies - Ginger, Pepper, Gracie, Mya, and, most recently, Julia. They brought her great joy and she adored and spoiled them equally.

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, Sheila took her leave of this world, joining her prince for a walk on the beach, hand in hand, with her dear Mya by her side. While our hearts are broken, our spirits are lifted knowing our earthly angel has become our guardian one, watching over us.

Sheila has requested there be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SARA or the Roanoke Valley SPCA .