Ernest Lee RUTHERFORD

RUTHERFORD, Ernest Lee
September 29, 1924 - June 24, 2011
Born in Minot, North Dakota to Robert Lee and Georgia Wise Rutherford. Ernie joined the U.S. Army in 1942 at the age of 18 and proudly served in the Battery C, 460th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion. His units included the 517th and 82nd Division. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and many Unit awards, and was Honorably Discharged in January 1946. Ernie married Mary Francena Wallace in October 1946, and after eleven years in Minot, they moved their family to Stockton, CA in 1957. He leaves behind his loving wife, Mary, of almost 65 years. He is also survived by his five daughters: Jana (Bill Cudney, Rocklin), Gloria (Don Hanson, Folsom), Bev (Marty Thorpe, Stockton), Joyce (Dr. Ben Madarang, Guam), and Joanne Marcelino (Citrus Heights). He was the proud grandfather of thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Ernie and Mary retired to Sequim, WA in December of 1988. This was 'God's Country', according to Ernie, and they enjoyed many retirement years there. In April of 2005 they moved back to California to be nearer their daughters and families. They happily lived at Vintage Oaks, a senior retirement complex, these last six years. Ernie enjoyed the many activities at the clubhouse and loved to socialize. He died peacefully in his sleep at home after a short illness. A family Celebration of Life will take place in early August at Mount Vernon Memorial Park. Preceded in death by his four older brothers, Robert, James, Wallace and Walter. Ernie....loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and friend to many, will be deeply missed, always remembered, respected, and loved.