Esther Rushford Greene

1925 - 2024

Esther Rushford Greene

December 31, 1925 - February 19, 2024

Sacramento, California - Our loving mother, Esther Rushford Greene of Sacramento died peacefully on February 19 2024 in her home. She was 98 years old.

Esther was Born in Bakersfield, CA on December 31, 1925, the daughter of Fred Heath Leonard and Florence Leonard. One of nine siblings, she grew up in Los Angeles where she attended Los Angeles High school and Polytechnic High School and USC. She was married to A.J. (Jim) Rushford on November 19, 1945 and moved to Sacramento where she remained to her death. She and Jim divorced in 1970. She married Charles Edwin Greene on October 18 1975, who she described as the love of her life.

Esther was a truly remarkable woman. She was a woman of deep Christian faith. She was incredibility bright. As a child she excelled at school and was a leader among her peers. As a young mother, she was a stay-at-home mom who was active in her children's activities and often the organizer. She was always someone her kids could go to for advice, love and comfort.

She was indeed an organizer, actively participating in Junior Museum, Exchangetts (a women's group of the Exchange Club), PTA and various other community endeavors. She helped organize Glen Oaks Swimming and Tennis Club and modeled for Miles and Miles company and many of the charity fashion shows in Sacramento.

With her divorce, Esther went to work full time in the political arena serving as Convention and Special Projects Director for the Republican State Central Committee, Executive Director of the Republican National Convention in San Diego (1972), Executive Director, of the Committee to Reelect the President (Nixon), Political Consultant with the Lyn Nofziger Company, Director of Public Affairs for the California Chamber of Commerce, and Chief Deputy Director of the California Employment Department. Esther also served as The Republican National Committee Woman from 1984-1988

Esther is survived by her children, James W. Rushford, Michael D. Rushford, both of Sacramento; Florence Catherine Hintz of Ventura, Daniel L. Rushford of Georgetown, CA., stepson Dr. Ronald B. Rushford of Vacaville, stepdaughter Debbie Calhoon of Texas, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.

She will be remembered by her family and friends as a loving, generous, intelligent, wise and beautiful woman who brought joy to our lives. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled and announced at a future date.