By Rebecca Goodman
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NORTH COLLEGE HILL - Betty Lee Rutherford, who worked in the deli at the Finneytown Kroger, provided the type of service that people appreciate.

She could fill an order simply by recognizing her customers, and she did it with a smile.

"She was just a super lady. You never saw her without a smile," said Rick Beitingof Fort Thomas, who had worked with Ms. Rutherford at the store for two years.

Ms. Rutherford died in a house fire Thursday. No official report has been released, but her landlord said that her electricity was out and she was using candles for light.

The North College Hill resident was 63.

"Mom was a sweet, nice lady," said her daughter, Regan Dotson of Mount Orab. "She'd do anything for anybody."

Ms. Rutherford grew up in Mount Orab, where she graduated from high school. Before taking the job at Kroger about seven or eight years ago, she worked in an orthodontist's office.

"Her grandson was her hobby," her daughter said. "She always took pictures of him and was always buying him gifts."

Services have been held. Burial was in Mount Orab.

Memorials: Shriner's Hospital for Children, 3229 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 34229.

E-mail rgoodman@enquirer.com