Jean W. Rutherford

Jean Weisel Rutherford died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in the loving presence of her children. She was 102 years young. She was the beloved wife of the late Milton Rutherford who she married in 1943.

Jean was born December 5, 1922, to the late Elizabeth S. and Winfield O. Weisel. She graduated from Doylestown High School in 1941 and attended Moore College of Art for two years. During WWII she operated Milton’s photography business while he was in the service.

She was a lifelong member of Salem United Church of Christ and served on many committees and groups. She was a member of the Salem quilters and made many craft items for their craft and rummage sales.

Jean was a member of the VIA (Village Improvement Assoc.) for 53 years and was recently honored on her birthday. For many years she dressed in the clothing of Miss James and greeted people visiting the James Lorah House. She also walked or rode in the Memorial Day parade as Miss James.

Over the years she also volunteered at the Bucks County Historical Society. She worked on many of their raffle quilts and was part of the quilting demo at the Folk Fest.

Jean was active and lived independently in her own home, cooking her own meals and managing her activities until her last week. Her neighbors and friends all referred to her as a “great lady” when talking about her in the past few days. She left us as she wished, ambulatory to the last and then gone without pain and suffering, surrounded by love.

She is survived by son, Lee Rutherford (Maggie) of Doylestown, daughters, Susan Rutherford (John Luna) of Corvallis OR, and Kristin Daniels (Brian) of Richmond, VA. Also surviving are six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Milton (2006) and her son, Bruce (2020)

The family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 6, at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown. Her memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 7, 2025 at  Salem United Church of Christ, 186 East Court Street, Doylestown. Interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Salem United Church of Christ at the above address.