Barbara Askew Rutherford, age 86, died peacefully on June 30, 2018. She was born on March 22, 1932 to Bernie Paul Askew and Bessie Belle Robinson Askew. She grew up in Youngstown, OH. She attended Miami University of Ohio for two years, then graduated from Ohio State University.. After graduating, she worked as a dental hygienist. Barbara married John Morton Rutherford on August 20, 1955 and they moved to Glen Ellyn, IL where they raised their four children. Barbara's interests were varied and ranged from antiques, bridge and nature to church, music and travel. She loved her family and enjoyed food and the many celebrations and family stories that revolved around meals. She was a guide at the Morton Arboretum in DuPage County for many years. After John retired, they moved to their beloved "Rock House" in Apple River, IL in 1990. Barbara became a member of Apple River United Methodist Church and also founded Natural Area Guardians, putting her passion for nature into action. This organization later evolved into Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation (JDCF). She, John and their fellow nature enthusiasts worked tirelessly to advocate for conservation. In 2017 Barbara and her husband John received the Nancy Hamill Winter Conservation Leadership Award from JDCF. Barbara leaves a legacy of kindness to all.

She is survived by her husband, her sisters Ginny Suhring of Hershey, PA and Pat Sharpe (Dave) of Bristol, VT, her children, Bryn Davis (Paul) of Midlothian, VA, Jay (Libby) of Apple River, IL, Brad (Jillian) of Hansville, WA, and Darcy Renkens (Rick) of Suamico, WI; her grandchildren John (Te), Kevin Davis, Sarah Carole (Pascal), Emily Huss (Jonathan), Kenzie, Terefa, Peter Renkens (Kristyn), Sarah Dressel (Michael), Jason Renkens (Carly), and her eight great-grandchildren, Katie, Emily, Charlie, Jack, Hannah, Connor, Colin and Demmi. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, her stepmothers Ruth Kenney Askew and Elizabeth Gunn Askew, and brother-in-law William Frederick Suhring.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday July 21, 2018 at the Apple River United Methodist Church, with a visitation from 9:00 until time of service. A luncheon will follow the service. Officiating will be Pastor Libby Rutherford.

The family would like to thank Sue Reynolds, Elizabeth Nursing Home and Freeport Health Network Hospice.

A memorial has been established in Barbara's name.