DAWN DIANE LAFFERTY

Dede was born on March 28, 1935 in Santa Monica, California, the daughter of Harry and Carol Rutherford. She peacefully passed away after a six year battle with cancer on September 27, 2010. She was 75 years old. Graduated from Hamilton High School, Los Angeles, California, Winter 1953, spent two years at L.A. City College 1954 to 1956. Married Edward Hansford Lafferty on December 11, 1954. After College Diane worked at a Bank as an escrow officer for 6 years. A devoted Christian, she worked for over 20 years in the church front office of Van Nuys First Baptist Church which later became Shepherd of the Hills in Porter Ranch. She worked for and performed in the Living Christmas Tree and the Passion Play. An avid Tennis player and Arts and Crafts designer. Loved Square Dancing, horses, the outdoors, ranch life, camping with frequent water skiing trips to her favorite location, Three Rivers, California. She loved all family gatherings and picnics. Was very spiritually in tuned with her family, dedicating a large portion of her life to praying for the growth and health of her family. Her last residence was Lake Balboa. She passed peacefully at home with her family at her side. Dede is survived by husband, Edward Hansford Lafferty of Lake Balboa, California; children, Carol Lynne Dopko and her husband Mike, Edward Hansford Lafferty II and his wife Sharleen, and Richard Wayne Lafferty; and grandchildren, Robert Edward Lafferty, Heather Nicole Henley, Shondra Lynn and Ashlee Marie Nelson, Gerritt James and Marc Raymon Kirby. Dede was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Susan Greterman; brothers-in-law, Grady Lafferty, Charles Lander, Charles Lafferty and Charles Greterman; sisters-in-law, Juanita Lafferty, Sharon LaMonte, and JoEllen Lafferty; grandson, Michael Edward Dopko; and nephew, Daniel Greterman. Memorial Service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi, Porter Ranch, California, October 8, 2010, 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Breast Cancer Research or Wounded Warrior Foundation.