Stella Adeline Rutherford
STELLA ADELINE RUTHERFORD
May 10, 1938 - October 17, 2026
It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Stella Adeline Rutherford on October 17, 2026, at the age of 88.
Stella was born on May 10, 1938, in Wadena, Saskatchewan, to Julia and Mike Mychan. As a young girl, she moved with her family to the Point Douglas neighbourhood of Winnipeg, where she grew up surrounded by a warm and vibrant Ukrainian community. In her younger years, she treasured summers spent back in Wadena with her farm relatives, often travelling by train to visit them.
Stella began her working life at Century Motors in the parts department, where she met the love of her life, Gary Rutherford. The two married and built a beautiful life together, raising five children and later founding Class Motor Car Company as a family business. Though Gary passed away too soon, Stella faced that loss and the many hardships life brought her with grace and resilience, emerging each time a stronger woman.
A devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Stella poured herself into family life. She was an avid curler and golfer, a talented painter, and a well-travelled woman who wintered in Florida and spent her summers at the family cottage in Lac Du Bonnet. In her later years, one of her greatest joys was the annual curling bonspiel in Lac Du Bonnet, a tradition spanning a decade. Stella served as organizer, choreographer, and seamstress for her team, and was completely in her glory entertaining. She lit up every room she walked into and left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Stella was known for her kindness, compassion, and warmth. She was a great listener, spiritual, and never missed a family event or milestone. She had a wonderful sense of humour, a love of music and dancing, and took great pride in her appearance, colouring her hair and putting on lipstick right until the very end. She loved her morning coffee, happy hour wine, and above all, her family.
Stella was known by many names: Adeline, Elsie, Babba, and of course, Mom.
She is survived by her five children: Kelly (Ron), Kathy (Garry), Jim (Kirsten), Gary (Virgelene), and Lisa (Trevor); her grandchildren, Julie (Alex), Michelle (Brett), Jennifer (Max), Shelby (Cody), Shenille, Austin, Kenna (Jamie), Lauren (Ewen), Brandon (Kara), and Clint; and her great-grandchildren, Lena, Wrenley, Brynlee, and Karsyn.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband William Gary Rutherford, her parents, Mike and Julia Mychan, and her in-laws, Bill and Dorothy Rutherford.
Cremation has taken place. A private family gathering has been held. A Celebration of Life will be held in the summer of 2027.
Stella lived for summers at the cottage with her family, surrounded by the people she loved most. She will be deeply and forever missed.
Tributes: www.alternacremation.ca