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Visitation:
A memorial visitation will be held from 3 - 5 p.m.
on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Holland Barry &
Bennett Funeral Home.
Funeral home: Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral
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Obituary
Nicole Marie “Nyki”
Rutherford, age 41, of Lincoln, Illinois, passed
away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on October
10, 2025.
She was born on August 8, 1984, to Robert “Bob”
Rutherford and Paula Rutherford and leaves behind
her children Mykenna Rutherford and Korbyn Slimick;
her siblings Brad (Rachael) Rutherford, Jason
(Rebecca) Rutherford, and several aunts, uncles, and
cousins. She was preceded in death by her
grandparents, aunt Paulette, and cousins Wesley
O'Donoghue and Paul L. Mileham.
Those who knew Nyki remember her as a charismatic
soul who never met a stranger. She expressed
kindness through service, often helping people
before herself. She was a friend to many, and her
laughter could fill a room.
Nyki’s heart belonged to her children, Korbyn and
Mykenna, who lit up her world. She did her best to
show them how deeply she loved them. She was
endlessly proud of them and cherished the joy they
brought into her life.
Nyki also shared a close bond with her Grandma
Betty, her favorite partner-in-crime for pranks. One
of the family’s most treasured stories is from her
dad’s birthday, when Nyki secretly took twenty
dollars from his wallet and tucked it into his
birthday card as a “gift.” She and Grandma Betty
laughed hysterically as he opened the card in
amazement at her generosity. The family finds
comfort in knowing they are eternally reunited. |
A lifelong resident of
central Illinois, Nyki found joy and connection in
music of all kinds. Most recently, she discovered a
new sense of purpose working a karaoke job, where
her voice and energy brought happiness to everyone
around her. Music was more than a pastime for her –
it was a companion through every season of her life,
a friend that lifted her spirit in good times and
carried her through the hard ones. When she sang, it
was her soul speaking its purest truth.
She will be remembered for her unmistakable
presence, her desire to help, and her gift for
turning everyday moments into memories that last. In
music, Nyki found peace, and her melody will live on
in the hearts of all who loved her.
Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial
visitation will be held from 3PM until 5 PM on
Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Holland Barry &
Bennett Funeral Home. Prayers with Sister Margaret
will begin at 5PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made
to the family to help with expenses and to assist
Mykenna and Korbyn.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the
family of Nicole Marie “Nyki” Rutherford
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