Antonia Ann Rutherford, 96, of Punta Gorda, Florida died Friday, November 6, 2015.
She was born October 23, 1919 in Little Hope, Pennsylvania. She was the daughter of Polish immigrants Francis and Anthony Domeracki. Ann moved to Detroit, MI during World War II, where she was employed at Park Davis. In Detroit, she met & married Edwin Rutherford who served in the United States Navy. The couple went on to have seven children.
Ed worked at Denby High where he taught PE and coached football, eventually becoming a Michigan Hall of Fame coach with the support of his wife Ann. In 1965, they moved to East Lansing, MI where Ed accepted a position at Michigan State University. He retired in 1991 in the football program under his beloved friend and former football player from Western High School, George Perles.
The Rutherfords were members of St. Thomas Aquinas Church where Ann spent countless hours working in the kitchen for funerals and fundraisers. The highlight of her service included the annual Polish party where she served as the committee chairman.
Ann is survived by children Carol Simmons, Douglas and Ruth Rutherford, Karen and Paul Przytulski, Rosemary Kennedy, Frank Rutherford, Janice and Howard Paulson, and Ann and Steven Weisenburger, 14 Grandchildren, John, James, Judy, Ryne, Sean, Seth, Chris,Ted, Chad, Steven , Anthony, Gavin, Veronica and Emily, and 8 great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Rutherford who died in 2012.
She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and passed in peace with the aid of her children, grandsons, and Tidewell Hospice of Port Charlotte Florida. Special thanks also to Granny Nanny’s care giver, Ann.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2015 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM with a Catholic Vigil Service at 2:00 PM at Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday 9:00 AM, Nov. 13, 2015 at San Antonio Catholic Church, Port Charlotte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to San Antonio Catholic Church, 24445 Rampart Blvd., Port Charlotte, FL 33980 or Tidewell Hospice, 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34239.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.