Claudia Schlanger Rutherford of Bedminster Township, PA, and LaBelle, FL, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania after a courageous and valiant battle with Leukemia. She was 70 years old. Claudia was the cherished wife of Jack Everett Rutherford for 37 years.
Born in Lower Merion, PA, Claudia was the daughter of the late Gladys S. Miller and Claude J. Schlanger.
Claudia was a lifelong resident of Bucks County, having grown up in Doylestown and later living and working on her Night Watch Farm in Bedminster Township. Claudia grew up riding horses, graduated from Central Bucks West and then Delaware Valley College with a B.S. in Animal Husbandry, and was part of the Huntington Valley Foxhunting Club. Claudia was also an active member of the Bucks County community, volunteering with her home church, St. Matthews Keller’s Church, the Riverside Symphonia, Meals on Wheels, and P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization).
In her retirement, Claudia enjoyed RVing with Jack and their Golden Retriever, Maggie, and split her time between the Riverbend Motorcoach Resort in Florida and traveling to visit her children and grandchildren and see the country. Claudia proudly served on the board of the American Coach Association and volunteered at the local LaBelle Elementary School.
In addition to her husband, Claudia is survived by her children Meredith Rutherford Chavel (Michael), Lindsey Kristine Rutherford-Sides (Andrew), and Ethan Claude Peters Rutherford (Victoria); beloved grandchildren Ellery Gladys and Gage Emerson Chavel, Reese Avery and Cooper Everett Sides, and Jackson Theodore Dale Rutherford; siblings Pamela S. Coulton and Jerome C. Schlanger; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 3668 Ridge Road, Perkasie, PA, where relatives and friends will be received from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow in Keller’s Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Claudia’s name may be made to: the University of Pennsylvania or Last Chance Ranch .