John Rutherford

1938 - 2025

John Charles Rutherford, 86, of Lacey, WA, passed away on February 3, 2025 from acute leukemia. Born July 10, 1938, in Wenatchee, WA, to John and Lorna (Fox) Rutherford, John grew up helping his father in the family orchard-driving a Model T truck loaded with fruit bins by the time he was eight. The rhythms of orchard life instilled in him a strong work ethic and a quiet dependability that shaped the rest of his life. With both parents working as educators in the Wenatchee public schools, John also learned the value of education, personal responsibility, and service to others.
John graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1956 and had already enlisted in the U.S. Navy during his senior year. He served on active duty from 1957 to 1959, including a deployment in Guam, and continued in the Navy Reserve until 1963. He remained quietly proud of his military service for the rest of his life.
In 1962, he married Elinor Grace Walley, a nurse from British Columbia. Their marriage was a steady partnership built on mutual respect and unwavering care for each other. Among their keepsakes were birthday cards they had given to each other, one for every year of their marriage. Together they raised two children, Lorna and Brett, and delighted in their grandchildren, Jackson, Blake, and Donovan Wargo, and Cameron, Kyly, Nate, and Sam Rutherford.
Following his military service and marriage, John earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education from Central Washington University. He began teaching in Beverly and Renton before returning to Wenatchee in 1966 to teach junior high social studies. In 1970, he completed his Master of Education at Washington State University, and the family moved back to Wenatchee, where John became a media specialist for the Central Washington Educational Service District. For 17 years, he also served as a reserve deputy sheriff with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, retiring as Reserve Captain-an accomplishment he regarded as one of the most meaningful contributions of his life. In 1988, he and Elinor moved to Olympia, where John continued his work at the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction until his retirement in 1993.
In retirement, John and Elinor fulfilled a long-held dream by building their home near Ocean Shores. There John spent hours in his workshop, where he took pride in repairing, building, and refining projects with the same exacting standards he applied to every task. He also stayed active in the community, volunteering for 17 years with AARP's Driver Safety Program as both an instructor and regional coordinator, while also assisting with community blood draws. To be closer to family and medical care, John and Elinor moved to Lacey in 2015.
John's interests were as wide-ranging as they were enduring. He had an encyclopedic memory, especially when it came to history, and could recall events, dates, and details with remarkable precision. He loved sailing and was a car enthusiast, caring for his vehicles meticulously. He was also an accomplished woodworker whose craftsmanship reflected both skill and patience. He enjoyed NASCAR and football, and after Elinor's passing, he especially treasured road trips to Pullman with Brett to attend WSU Cougar games.
John will be remembered for his quiet and steady presence, and enduring commitment to those he loved. He is survived by his children, Lorna (Steve) Wargo of Artic, WA, Brett (Kim) Rutherford of Gig Harbor, WA; his grandchildren; his brother, R. Bruce (Joan) Rutherford of Tacoma, WA; extended family including cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Elinor (2022) and his parents.
Memorials may be made to the Panorama Benevolent Fund, 1751 Circle Lane SE, Lacey, WA 98503.