Mentally sharp until the end, Herbert “Herb” Rutherford died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family in Helena, MT three days after his 98th birthday.
Born in Barnes County, ND on January 26, 1913 to Herbert and Ida (Laudert) Rutherford, Herb was the fifth of nine children. He was raised on the family farm in ND and attended school in Page. As a young student, one of Herb’s tasks was to fix the family Model T every night to ensure he and his siblings could get to school the following day.
As a young man, Herb’s love of adventure led him to travel the U.S., spend time on cattle roundups in Wyoming and play drums with the family dance band throughout ND.
When he settled down to raise a family in ND, Herb embraced farming wholeheartedly. He worked many 18-hour days, as he said everyone did, and became known as an innovative and well-respected farmer. He continued to mentor young farmers in ND until shortly before his death.
Another of Herb’s great loves was playing cards. Pinochle, Smear, Whist or Cribbage were standard entertainment after most family dinners and at every family gathering.
Although Herb loved to travel, farm, and play cards, his greatest love was his family. Herb was especially proud of and devoted to his children and their families. He faithfully attended weddings and special family events throughout the western U.S. until his 90’s, and was a man who could be counted on to share his insight and wisdom.
Herb often said he was lucky to be loved by two women in his life. His first wife, Gladys (Langer), the mother of his six children, died in 1968. His second wife, Myrtle (Hagseth) Legler, died in 2010 and added three step-children to his family.
Herb is survived by his children, Virginia Benedict of CA, Shirley (Claud) Tugmon of WA, Donna (Dick) Northey of MT, Kathy Rutherford of OR, Ray (Bonnie) Rutherford of MT, and Harley (Jeannie Huntley) Rutherford of MT; step-children, Marlyn (Helen) Legler of ND and Corrine (Tony) Haugen of MN; as well as one brother, 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, seven of his siblings, step-son Ronnie Legler, and grandson Mike Northey.
Family will be receiving friends beginning at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 31 with the funeral service scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 31 at Oliver Nathan Chapel, 251 Central Ave. S. Valley City, ND. Interment will be in the spring at a later date. Memorials in Herb’s name are suggested to (FFA) Future Farmers of America, P.O. Box 68960, 6060 FFA Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46268 or to the Buffalo Cemetery Association, Buffalo, ND 58011. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.aswfuneralhome.com.
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Patty Jacobs Schumacher says
I am your cousins Joann’s daughter and would like to express my sorrow in the loss of your father. I always have very fond memories of the time we spent on your family farm and the kindness shown by Uncle Herb. May you all find comfort in the great memories.