Nancy Rutherford – Volunteer and adventurer

Nancy Helen Synold Rutherford of Guerneville passed away
unexpectedly on Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 at the age of 83. Her
daughter Laura was with her. She was preceded in death by her
parents, Otto and Isabel Haefner Synold; six brothers and sisters;
and her husband Wayne Rutherford Sr. She is survived by her
children, Sue Rutherford, Laura Lee Bofferding, Wayne Jr. (Kip);
her daughter-of-the-heart, Lynn Newton; granddaughter-of-the heart,
Nova Sayers; grandson, Matthew Rutherford; great grandson,
Alexander Jones; and many nieces and nephews.
Nancy was born July 12, 1923 in Milwaukee, WI, graduated from
nursing school in 1945, &#8220ran off” to Alaska in 1947 to
work for Alaska Airlines as a stewardess, where she met and married
Wayne Rutherford Sr. During their marriage they lived in Anchorage,
Alaska; Tel Aviv, Israel; Nicosia, Cyprus; Ft. Lauderdale, FL;
Danville, CA; Tripoli, Libya; Greenbrae, CA; Cairo, Egypt; Novato,
CA; Santa Fe, NM; and then Guerneville from 1978.
Nancy worked as a nurse at Concord Hospital from 1957 to 1959;
as a school nurse for the San Ramon Unified School District in
Danville from 1959 to 1969; as a school nurse at the Oil Companies
School in Tripoli, Libya from 1970 to 1974; as a nurse at Novato
General 1975-1976, then as a nurse at Memorial Hospital in Santa
Rosa, CA from 1978 until her retirement in 1989.
Nancy was a lover of nature in all its forms, and was a lifelong
student; she took classes at Santa Rosa Junior College from 1980
until her passing – people probably wondered just WHEN she would
graduate! She volunteered her time and experience at the Jenner
Visitor Center, the Guerneville Public Library, Food for Thought,
River Guardians, Canine Companions and Santa Rosa Bird Rescue. She
was an avid gardener, an intrepid traveler, read widely, and was
fascinated with whatever might be around the next corner. She was
absolutely filled up and overflowing with a zest for life, and took
great joy in going off on whatever new adventure was at hand.
She was a loving and devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a
caring and professional nurse. She was a person of her word, a
conscientious and active citizen, stood up for what she believed
in, and was committed to helping those less fortunate than her. She
taught her children to do the same. Nancy treasured her family and
was surrounded by a circle of loving friends. The world was a
better place and we are better people because of her. We all miss
her.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to any public library,
Food For Thought, or any senior citizen center.
A pot luck memorial gathering will be at 1pm March 3rd in Santa
Rosa, CA. Nancy hated the color black, so her children are asking
attendees to wear colorful clothing. For location/directions call
869-9115 after Feb 26.