Rutherford, William Ralph 1885-1945

RUTHERFORD, HARPSTER, NICHOLS, HAWK, WARE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 8/4/2014 at 12:47:06

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register
Monday, May 7, 1945

RALPH RUTHERFORD,
RESPECTED FARMER,
DIED THURSDAY

William Ralph Rutherford, son of George and Elvina Harpster Rutherford, was born in Chester township, July 7, 1885. He was reared upon the family homestead in Chester, acquiring his education in the common schools. Early having decided to follow the vocation of farming, upon the completion of his education, he assisted his father, later locating upon his homestead adjacent to Grinnell where he lived the rest of his life. Here he engaged in general farming and stock raising. Mr. Rutherford was an eccentric man, who concentrated his entire time and attention upon his family and on the development of his farming interests.

In February 1907, he was united in marriage to Minnie M. Nichols. Two children, Donald and Jewell were born of this union. Donald, whose home is in Chicago, is assistant in charge of Central Plant Sales for Swift & Company. At present he is a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and is on duty in the south Pacific. The daughter, Mrs. R.A. Hawk, wife of the superintendent of schools, resides in Grinnell. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minnie M. Rutherford of Grinnell, Iowa, and a sister, Mrs. Helen Ware of Pasadena, California.

Following a very brief illness he passed away Thursday evening, May 3, at the Community hospital at the age of 59 years, 9 months and 27 days.

Funeral services in charge of Rev. P.A. Johnson were held from the Smith Funeral Home at 2:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, with interment in Hazelwood cemetery. Mrs. Dorothy Lannom and Mrs. Lucille Potts were flower bearers and pallbearers were R.A. Baggs, O.W. Bean, D.C. Buck, R.J. Clark, Ralph Longley and Chester Newcomer.