Michael John Rutherford, 74, of Rushville, passed away peacefully at 2:57 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2025, at his residence, following a battle with Alzheimers. Mike was born October 6, 1950, in Lancaster, Ohio. He married his high school sweetheart, Vicki (Helser) Rutherford on July 23, 1972, and they were married for 52 years. As a teen Mike worked as a lifeguard at the Bremen Pool. He graduated from Fairfield Union High School in 1968. He was drafted during the Vietnam era and spent most of his time in Okinawa in the Army as a printing press operator. He afterwards worked at Cyril Scott then owned his own print shop, Somerset Commercial Printing, from which he retired. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. Besides family, he loved hunting, fishing and snow skiing. His true past time was birthing and raising sheep. He enjoyed helping 4-Hers with club lambs and being a 4-H advisor. He liked working as ring man at the Fairfield County Fair for many years. Mike attended Olivet Church of the Brethren and helped on many projects. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Nora Jane Rutherford; sister, Jan Ritchie; brother-in-law, Kevin Helser; father-in-law, Carl Helser; and sister-in-law, Donna Rutherford. He is survived by his wife, Vicki Rutherford; son, Eric (Carissa) Rutherford; daughter, Monica (Darrel) Cooperrider; grandchildren, Savannah, Emily, Nora and Daniel; four step grandchildren; two step great-granddaughters; brother, Joe Rutherford; mother-in-law, Maxine Helser; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the Bope-Thomas Funeral Home in Somerset where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 17, 2025, with Ron Fleming officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Bremen, with military honors provided by the Somerset American Legion Leo Ryan Post 58. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Olivet Church of the Brethren, 10788 Zion Rd. NW, Thornville, Ohio 43076; or FairHope Hospice and Palliative Care, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130.