Nancy B. Rutland

Mrs. Nancy Babb Rutland, a native of Bonham, Texas and a longtime resident of Fayette, AL died on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at her residence, surrounded by her loving husband of 65 years and her adoring children and grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the Fayette First United Methodist Church with Dr. Stephen Strange officiating. Burial will follow in the Fayette City cemetery. The visitation will be from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at the church. As a part of her decades-long membership on the Fayette Park and Recreation Board, Nancy created and directed the summer swimming program, teaching hundreds, possibly thousands of children basic swimming strokes and the importance of water safety. Each summer, Nancy recruited and trained dozens of teenagers as assistant instructors and lifeguards as an integral part of the swimming program, instilling in each her high standards of excellence. These, and so many more teenagers and young adults regularly sought Nancy’s company and counsel over the years, always feeling welcomed in her home and assured of her love. Without favoritism or condition, Nancy loved much and was much loved in return. Having impeccable taste, Nancy was known for her style and ability to make all things beautiful. She was a member of Fayette First United Methodist Church and served in many capacities, from assisting with youth activities to co-chairing a Capital Building Campaign. Other civic interests included support for the Fayette Medical Foundation, the Fayette Arts Council and the Fayette County Memorial Library. In great part, because of her involvement with the Park and Recreation Board and the teaching of swimming, she was selected Woman of the Year in 1960 and inducted into the Fayette County Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. The Fayette Aquatic Center Pool was recently named in her honor. For many years, she has enjoyed “coffee” with a group of very close friends. Mrs. Rutland was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Merle Spies Babb, and her brother Joe Babb. She is survived by her husband, Richard O. Rutland, Jr., M.D., four children, Richard O. Rutland, III, M.D. (Charlotte), Cindy McBrearty ( Michael, M.D.), Craig D. Rutland, M.D. (Mary), and Missy Rutland, nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Pallbearers are Jimmy Berry, Mike Burris, Doug Garner, Colin McBrearty, Lee McBrearty, Sean McBrearty, M.D., Rick McCabe, Merrell Nolen, Theron Nolen, Harry Unger, Justin White and Fred Yerby, M.D. Memorials can be made to Fayette First United Methodist Church, Fayette Medical Foundation or the Fayette Aquatic Center.