Doris Evangeline Rutherford

Doris Evangeline Rutherford, 94, of Farmington, died on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011, in Farmington. She was born Jan. 6, 1917, in View, Idaho, which no longer exists, to Thomas Robertson Trees and Nancy Tuney Lillie Trees. She was named by her father after his sister, Evangeline. Connecting her to future generations and the world, survivors include her brother, Thomas Bradley Trees; daughter, Rosanna "Joy Keating, and husband, Fran; son, Lonny Rutherford and wife, Marilyn Mobley; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Doris and George Verdell Rutherford were married March 27, 1933, in Gooding, Idaho. She said she felt he was the only person who ever loved her, and he said he felt the same way. One of life��?�s favorite things she was glad she had tried was marriage. George predeceased her in 1996.
The tapestry of the journey of life of Doris Evangeline included foremost her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who she served throughout her long life. Her most treasured possession was her Bible, "Because it told me how to get to heaven.
She was quick to sing and entertain those around her. Her favorite trips were to Israel, where her heart was full. Her early years were difficult, yet heartwarming, as she married young at 16, lost her first born, Bertha Maxine, who died at birth, and Teddy George, who died at seven days. Rosanna "Joy was the joy of her life. Then along came Lonny, who was near to her until her death.
In 1981, Doris and George moved to Farmington, for George��?�s work on the building of the San Juan Generating Station. Her love of God, people and animals gave her life��?�s tapestry its rich color. During a flood in Washington state, the few things quickly saved were her overnight bag, her fur stole and Peppi, the poodle.
Doris and George were very active at the local senior center, where they hosted the Saturday night dances for years and were the first on the floor to "cut a rug. Doris never played a musical instrument, but would have played the guitar. Her parents gave her sister Adeline saxophone lessons, which Adeline did not care for a bit, so Doris was "never offered.
Doris was an expert crafter, seamstress and chef, and her home was a welcoming place for family and friends. Making beautiful things for the home and offering food from the heart gave her much joy. One of her favorite "bragging moments was when Barbara Bush wore flag earrings, proudly made by Doris, to a national function.
Another of her favorite tales was to enlighten others about a cousin, Mae West, the actress, who came out west in a covered wagon. Doris received some of her flamboyance from Mae, including her favorite perfume, Jungle Gardenia, and her color, red. The family owes a great debt, first to the Gingerich Home for the first two years, then to Lifecare of Farmington, both giving love and compassion. They never seemed to feel a burden, just love and caring. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Greenlawn Cemetery, 1606 N. Dustin Ave. in Farmington. Bill Byler of the Gingerich Home will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Farmington Senior Center, 109 E. La Plata St., Farmington, NM 87401. Brewer, Lee & Larkin Funeral Home
103 E. Ute St. in Farmington, NM 87401
(505) 325-8688