Spokesman-Review Writer ‘Scottie’ Rutherford Dies

FROM FOR THE RECORD (Tuesday, August 27, 1996) Correction Eleanor “Scottie” Rutherford was a member of the Spokane Philharmonic Associates, which became Assistants, Inc. This association was listed incorrectly in an Aug. 18 obituary.

Eleanor A. “Scottie” Rutherford, a retired feature and society writer for The Spokesman-Review, died Thursday. She was 78.

During 21 years as a reporter at the newspaper, Mrs. Rutherford covered Spokane society and the city’s top social events, women’s club activities and entertainment.

“She was a valuable resource in the newsroom for who was who and what was what in Spokane,” said Paul McNabb, former city editor and now the newspaper’s director of human resources.

“Scottie cared greatly for accurate reporting and helping readers know what was going on in the community. On top of that, she was a good friend to all and fun to work with.”

Longtime staff writer Tom Sowa called Mrs. Rutherford “a great example of what was, back in the 1970s and 1980s, Spokane’s special society of fun and interesting women. There were about 40 of those women, who pretty much knew each other and did the main society things in town. Scottie loved being part of it, and people loved telling her what was on their minds.”

During Expo ‘74 she interviewed some of the top visiting performers, including Jack Benny and Henry Fonda. She also interviewed Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart during their visits to Spokane.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Tuesday at Rockwood Retirement Center Chapel. Riplinger Funeral Home is in charge of cremation services.

Mrs. Rutherford was born in Spokane. She lived for a time at the Hutton Settlement, and remained active with fund-raising efforts for the organization. She graduated from Walla Walla High School.

She was a member of The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and served as president of the service league with the church. She also was state president of the Women’s Auxiliary of Washington State Junior Chamber of Commerce.

She was active in civic organizations and local theater in Spokane and was a board member for the Spokane Philharmonic and the YWCA. She was an active member of the Mother’s Guild at St. George’s School, and a charter member of Assistants Inc., now known as the Symphony Associates. She also was involved with the Greater Spokane Music and Allied Arts Festival.

Her husband, Archie Rutherford, died in 1982.

She is survived by a son, Stanley Rutherford of Camp Meeker, Calif.; and three brothers, Joseph Cornelius of Florida, Elmer Cornelius of Spokane and Stanley Cornelius of California.

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