Richard "Keith" Rutherford

Richard “Keith” Rutherford, of Corrales, New Mexico passed away peacefully on Friday, July 23, 2021, at the age of 80.

Keith was born in West Virginia in 1941, to father, Chester Rutherford and mother, Edna Harvey. Keith joined the U.S. Army and served with distinction. During his service, Keith earned the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and numerous other medals. He served in Japan, Vietnam, Texas, and later with the Defense Attache Office in Afghanistan and Belgium. Master Sergeant Rutherford completed his military career in Albuquerque at the Kirtland AFB Nuclear Weapons Complex. After retirement from the U.S. military Keith served in a variety of support roles with the U.S. Department of State’s U.S. Embassies in Africa and Mexico with his wife, Sharon.

Keith loved New Mexico where he was raised, and often referred to it as “God’s Country”.  He enjoyed Southwestern cuisine, science fiction novels and films and had a passion for UFO’s. He was fond of animals, especially his dogs and was concerned about the needs of others. Warm, friendly, and compassionate, he enjoyed good company, lively conversation, and a good margarita with friends. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Keith is survived by his wife, Sharon Lavorel-Rutherford; daughter, Robin Rutherford; son, Ric (Kriston) Rutherford; stepsons, Michael (Jennifer) Lavorel, and Daniel Lavorel; grandchildren, Morgan Byrd, Jack, and Nicholas Lavorel; and his sister, Vicki (Paul) Christensen.

Services and interment will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021, at 9:45 a.m. at the Santa Fe National Cemetery in Santa Fe, New Mexico.