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Eleanor Claire Rutherford

1942 - 2025

Eleanor Claire Rutherford obituary, 1942-2025, Colorado Springs, CO

BORN

1942

DIED

2025

Eleanor Rutherford Obituary

Rutherford
Eleanor "Ellie" Claire
(Fredericksen) Rutherford
April 9, 1942
June 15, 2025

Eleanor "Ellie" Rutherford passed peacefully on June 15, 2025, after a long and protracted illness. Born to Karston and Alice Fredericksen on April 9, 1942, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Ellie leaves behind her sister Lyne (Ronnie) Ricciardelli, of Monument, brother Robert Fredericksen, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, daughter Wendy Rutherford Dietrich, of Pennsylvania, son-in-law Todd Hickerson of Colorado Springs, and four grandchildren - Micah, Matthew, and Karli Hickerson, and Nicholas Dietrich. She was predeceased by her husband William Rutherford, son-in-law Wayne Dietrich, and daughter Kristen Hickerson.

Ellie earned a full scholarship to the Englewood Hospital School of Nursing and worked as a school, camp, and hospital nurse, and later as a psychiatric nurse for Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.

After retirement, her years were spent helping family and loving her grandchildren. She was a faithful prayer warrior, generous donor, and dedicated friend to many from coast to coast.

Ellie enjoyed playing her baby grand piano; her passion for hymns and the gospel was exceeded only by her love for Jesus.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date for family and local friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ellie's memory may be made to the Colorado Springs Rescue Mission, 5 W. Las Vegas St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 24, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Patricia Barron

July 14, 2025

I worked with Ellie in the late 1980´s and then again in the late 1990´s when we both worked for the department of psychiatry at Hackensack University Medical Center. She was an amazing woman and an extremely competent psychiatric nurse. Her patients loved her. She was very simply great to work with.
She adored her family and loved to share the latest news especially about her grandchildren. All of you are in my prayers.
Yours,
Pat Barron

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Joan Schnaper

Planted Trees

Holly Mahoney

June 24, 2025

Ellie was a faithful friend and consistent prayer support to me. She was always quick to reply to texts and emails and had a special way of encouraging through her faith and the Word but also through her great sense of humor. I will always value her influence on my life and will forever be grateful for her quiet, yet fierce support when I needed it most. Ellie will be missed.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

With love, Karen

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