Dreva Rutherford

Dreva Jean Rutherford (Shaw), 67, of Urbandale, Iowa passed away at Mercy One Medical Center in Des Moines on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Dreva was born on May 18, 1958, in Mobile, Alabama, the daughter of Ralph and Laura Shaw. She graduated from Centralia High School, in Centralia, Illinois, with the class of 1976. She followed in her father’s footsteps, serving this great nation, by enlisting in the United States Air Force Reserves. Feeling the need for even greater service, in December of 1982, she enlisted in the active duty Air Force, working as a Pharmacy Technician. She was active duty until September 1984, when she was honorably discharged.

In January 1984, Dreva’s life gained great purpose as her first child, Christopher, joined her. Both of their lives changed in March of 1984 as Kerry Rutherford moved into their apartment complex and became a neighbor and friend. In the following seven months, Dreva and Kerry realized they were soulmates. In October 1984 Dreva and Kerry married. It was important to Dreva and Kerry that their family be of one faith, thus Kerry joined the Catholic Church prior to their wedding day. From this union, they were blessed with four more children, Brendan, Luke, Oliver and Bridget. Dreva’s true passion in life was being a mother.

Dreva had a love for crafting, cooking, reading and her dogs. Dreva’s friendships have always had a very special place in her heart, and their loving support has been invaluable during her health journey. Her prolific craftiness was evident in all the greeting cards she created to send to friends and family for special occasions. When you received a birthday card or anniversary card from Dreva, it was tailored to you, your interests, and personality to make it one of a kind special for you! Family vacations were always special to Dreva. After the children were grown, Dreva and Kerry looked forward to traveling together, including their last trip this past October when they traveled to Walt Disney World to surprise three of their 11 grandchildren who were vacationing there with their parents. It was an amazing time for all! Dreva’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her grandchildren every chance she got. They all mean the world to her!

Dreva is survived by her husband, Kerry Rutherford, their children: Christopher (Jill) Shaw, Brendan Rutherford, Luke (Melissa) Rutherford, Oliver Rutherford , and Bridget (Damien) Foster, plus her bonus child, Melissa (Brandon) Reynolds, her sister, Rita Nation, eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and several nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Laura Shaw, and her sister, Cheri Shaw.

Memorials may be directed to Catholic Charities Diocese of Des Moines, 601 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309, or www.catholiccharitiesdm.org.