Age 78, passed away on Memorial Day, May 31, 2004 at his home following a lingering illness. He was born on July 10, 1925 in Saginaw, MI the son of James and Florence (McAlpine) Rutherford and grew up in Saginaw County. A Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he served in the Pacific Islands during World War II. He married Mary Dolores Markey in 1946. She survives him, along with their children and spouses, Tim and Teresa Rutherford of Shreveport, LA; Mary and John Skoglund of Holland; Jane and Michael Alsgaard of Frankenmuth; Tom and Cindy Rutherford of Parshallville; Ann and Kim Huntington of Brighton; George and Linda Rutherford of Portland; Margaret and Tom Stark of Hartland; Matt and Mary Rutherford of LaMesa, CA; and Alice and Shawn Overgaard of New Market, MN; 23 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren. Other survivors include 2 sisters, Annabelle Eckstorm and Nancy Konesko, several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and extended family members, Julio (Hilda) Rodriguez and Doreen (Abu) Miller. Mr. Rutherford spent many years as a coach for Little League and girls softball teams. In his later years, he enjoyed pitching competitive horseshoes. He was a member of the Stockbridge American Legion Post # 510 and the Portland VFW Post #4090. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Charles D. Hall, Pastor at 11 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2004 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Portland. The family will receive friends at the Schrauben-Lehman Funeral Home, Portland from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Thursday. A Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Ionia Area Hospice, 117 N. Depot Street, Ionia or to the Society for Progressive Surpanuclear Palsy (PSP).