Ken Weingartner did a feature on Cathy Rutherford in 2017, to read the feature click here.
Columbus, OH — Catherine A Rutherford, age 58 of Martinsville, IL died Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 3:40 p.m. at her home following her valiant battle against breast cancer. No services are planned, but there will be a celebration of her life at a later date.
Cathy was born February 18,1966 in Manistee, MI the daughter of Kenneth & Elizabeth Rutherford. She graduated from Decatur (MI) High School with the Class of 1984 and had a business degree from Western Michigan University. She spent much of her life in the family business where she owned, bred, trained and drove Standardbred horses. She raced at numerous tracks in IL, IN, KY, OH, IA, MI and VA as well as Canada. She eventually was licensed as a USTA Paddock Judge and worked at tracks in Oak Grove, KY and most recently her beloved Shenandoah Downs in Woodstock, VA. In true Cathy fashion, she was working there just a few days before she left us.
Cathy dearly loved her animals, both dogs and horses. Cathy loved to cook and to refinish furniture. She rejuvenated her grandmother’s treadle sewing machine to sew horse blankets. She always had a project of some sort to work on.
There are so many adjectives that attempt to describe our Cathy…She was one of a kind, amazing horsewoman, warrior, inspiration, family to everyone, wonderful person, rock, tough, determined, fun to be around, beautiful soul… Her big heart allowed her to not only make friends but keep them, leaving behind a trail of friendships across several states. She feared nothing and took on life as a challenge. Her courage and fear-not attitude allowed her to experience life to the fullest, even as she battled the cancer that invaded her body.
Cathy is survived by significant other Kent Hardway, sister, Nancy Rutherford, and special friend, Megan Strange.
She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Janet Collier.