PAULA RUTHERFORD

1942 - 2021

RUTHERFORD Paula Martin Rutherford Of Alexandria died November 6, 2021. Born June 14, 1942, in Paris, Arkansas, she graduated from Will Rogers High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma. She completed her B.S. in secondary education at the University of Oklahoma, where she was president of Gamma Phi Beta. In 1964, she married David O. Rutherford. His naval career kept them moving with stops in San Diego, Okinawa, Virginia, Spain, and Florida, where she completed a Master of Education (special education) at North Florida University. Sons Doug and Michael joined the tour along the way and were her pride and joy. The family settled in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC, in 1978. Paula had a distinguished career in education that was recognized with an O.U. College of Education Outstanding Achievement Award and an honorary doctorate from MacMurray College, both in 2007. She was a special education teacher and school administrator for Fairfax County Public Schools and became a full-time consultant for Research for Better Teaching, helping schools, teachers, and principals improve teaching and learning. In 1990, she founded her own firm, Just ASK Publications & Professional Development, which she headed until her death. She published 14 books, 750,000 copies of which were sold, and led a team of consultants helping thousands of schools around the world. Known for her over-the-top holiday celebrations, including at least four Christmas trees, Paula was an enthusiastic, warm hostess. She shopped year-round for her family, and opening Christmas gifts could take days. Her intelligence, determination, and big heart will be sorely missed. In addition to her husband and sons, she is survived by her sister Linda G. Martin, Doug's wife Susan Spagnola Rutherford and sons Carter and Quinn, and Michael's wife Elizabeth Rossini and children Will and Kelly. No service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria www.alexscholarshipfund.org.No service is planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to The Scholarship Fund of Alexandria www.alexscholarshipfund.org.