Obituary: Rutherford, Barbara
Age 97
She was the youngest of three sisters.
After attending Oberlin College for two years, she graduated from Kathryn Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City.
She met and married her husband, Robert Rutherford, while working for General Foods there.
The couple eventually moved to Spokane, WA.
Barbara was an avid community activist and devoted to our democratic process.
She was a member of the League of Women Voters, where she served as Spokane President and State Board Member.
She worked fervently to educate voters on issues of the day.
She was a skilled fund raiser for the League and taught many other women this skill.
Barbara was president of the Spokane Park Board during Expo 74.
She was the campaign manager for a successful Spokane mayoral candidate.
She volunteered at Sacred Heart Medical Center and was also president of the Sacred Heart Service League.
She loved music and The Spokane Symphony.
In the late 60’s, she and her husband bought a travel agency.
This became a platform for their extensive travels to many parts of the world which they enjoyed immensely.
Both Barbara and Bob loved to spend time with their grandchildren at Priest Lake.
The grandchildren have fond memories of sailing with their grandfather and picking huckleberries with their grandmother.
Barbara was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy, and her husband, Robert.
She is survived by her son, Rob (Diane), her daughter Francie, nine grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and two beloved nieces.
A service is planned for June 6th at 1 pm at the Rockwood Community Center at Rockwood Forest Estates.
Donations may be made in Barbara’s name to a charity of your choice.
To view Barbara’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.