Carol Jean Rutherford's Obituary
Carol Jean Rutherford, born on July 15, 1931, was a beloved member of the Spring Lake, Michigan community. She grew up in the Vollmer farmhouse on Leonard Road and began her own family life in a charming green house built by her uncle, John Steinbech, at the corner of Savidge and Lake. During the construction boom of the 1960s, she and her family moved to Grant Street on the east side of Grand Haven. Carol later relocated to Brookline, New Hampshire, where she formed lasting friendships and embraced the rich experiences of New England before returning to Spring Lake to enjoy her retirement years. Carol passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, October 27, leaving behind a legacy of love and community service.
As a child, Carol attended Jeffers Grade School and graduated from Grand Haven High School as a member of the Class of 1949. Growing up near her cherished grandparents at Wachter Farm, she developed deep roots in the community that she would serve throughout her life.
On February 23, 1951, Carol married Richard James Rutherford, who was stationed on the Woodbine, a Coast Guard cutter docked in Grand Haven at the time. Together, they raised their family on Grant Street, creating fond memories of nights at Sluka Field, where their children played baseball under the lights. Richard passed away on February 22, 2021. Carol also mourned the loss of her beloved infant grandson, Justin Rutherford, and was preceded in death by her parents, Clara Kean Wachter (Sherm) Gleason and Russell (Flora) Vollmer Sr., as well as her two brothers and two sisters-in-law, Vern (Inez) Vollmer and Russell (Audry) Vollmer Jr.
Carol is survived by her three loving children: Michael James Rutherford, Debra (Mike) Kean Walters, and Terry (Marsha) Lynn Rutherford. She took immense pride in her family, which includes three grandchildren: Kim (Nolan) Gottschalk, Nathan (Laura) Walters, and Thomas (Georgia) Walters, along with six great-grandchildren: Isla, Evie, Lena, and Joe Walters; Grady and Celia Gottschalk; and nine cherished nephews.
To support her family, Carol spent many years working in office roles at Bastian Blessings, Kinkema Furniture Store, and Dr. Rudder Orthodontics, where she enjoyed helping teenagers navigate their orthodontic journeys. A dedicated member of the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, she served as a Deacon for many years, where her passion for caring for others flourished. Carol was actively involved in fundraisers for the Ladies Craft Group, showcasing her spirit of generosity and commitment to community service. Alongside her husband, she volunteered countless hours at Love in Action, The Little Red House, and The Peoples Center, positively impacting many lives.
Carol cherished her time camping throughout the year, reveling in boating, campfires, and snowmobiling at their Loon Lake Cottage near Na-Tah-Ka, where the family created lasting memories. She enjoyed playing cards with friends for many years, with only one remaining member from that group, Carolyn Berg. Carol and Richard shared a love for square dancing and participated in fundraising shows through the Elks. After Richard's passing, she found joy and companionship while living at Liberty Woods Senior Living, surrounded by friends and neighbors.
Her vibrant spirit and dedication to family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
A celebration of Carol's life will be held at the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church on November 14th at 11:00 AM, where friends and family will gather to honor her memory, with Rev. Lary Jackson officiating the services. Following the service, an internment will take place at the Spring Lake Cemetery. The family will also partake in placing the remains of both Richard and Carol Rutherford in recognition of their commitment to one another and their shared faith, surrounded by those who have celebrated knowing Christ in the house of the Lord. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Spring Lake Presbyterian Church, Love in Action, The Little Red House, The People Center, or a charity of your choice in her honor. Arrangements entrusted to The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
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