Fran, the only child of the late Foster Royden Ormsbee and the late Charlotte Miller Ormsbee was born in Vineland, NJ on January 10, 1929. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John William (Bill) Rutherford from Jacksonville, FL.
She is survived by her three daughters, Donna Ray (Jeff) of Clayton, NC, Barbara Cross (Rick Babarsky) of Charlottesville, VA and Joan Georgia (Michael) of Prattsburgh, NY and three stepsons, Chuck Rutherford (Sylvia) of Astor, FL, Ken Rutherford (Mary) of Umatilla, FL, and Tom Rutherford (Linda) of Branchport, NY. She had many grandchildren, great grandchildren and dear friends, especially her caretaker of 10 years, David Baxter of Astor, FL.
Fran, called “Tootie” by her mom, spent her childhood in Washington DC and her summers in Vineland, NJ with her grandmother. After graduating from Western High School at 16, she won several beauty contests which ultimately led to a brief modeling career. She married Donald (Don) Edward Cross in 1948 and they moved to Vienna, VA where they raised their three daughters. At that time, she enjoyed working in the Fairfax County school system as a school secretary while Don practiced law in Washington DC.
In 1971 Fran married Bill, and Kodak moved them to upstate New York where she established an antique business and together with Bill, ran Port Rutherford, a marina/resort on Keuka Lake. They retired to Astor, FL where they enjoyed life on the St. John’s River. Widowed in 2003, Fran found fun and support in her many friendships in Astor. She helped build up the Astor Community Center where she ran exercise classes three days a week, became involved in the Red Hat Society, enjoyed Astor Garden Club’s themed luncheons and played mahjong regularly and competitively well into her 80’s.
Fran had an easy and fun way about her and was accepting of all. She responded with positivity to whatever life presented. Her family and friends feel fortunate to have had so many years of her wonderful companionship.
In her remembrance, the family asks that donations be made to: Astor Community Association, PO Box 61, Astor, Florida 32102.
On line condolences may be made to the family at: www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com.
A celebration of Fran’s life is planned for a later date.
McLaurin Funeral Home in Clayton, North Carolina is honored to be assisting Mrs. Rutherford's family.
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