Leslie Rutherford

Leslie Rutherford, age 69, of Jarrettsville, Maryland, passed away on January 8, 2025, at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Jane (Hill) Smith and the beloved wife of the late Joseph Peyton Rutherford.

A devoted member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Pylesville and an active participant in We the People of Harford County, Leslie was a 1973 graduate of Kennard Dale High School. She dedicated 18 years to Harford Community College, retiring in 2016 from her role in Continuing Education and Training registration.

Leslie's passions included astrology, scrapbooking, garden appreciation, was staunchly conservative and believed in making America great again. She was also a tireless advocate for the disabled and the marginalized without a voice, ensuring that every special needs child in Harford County had access to a free and appropriate education. She authored dozens of civil rights complaints on behalf of those for whom she advocated, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication and, consequently, never lost a single case.

She is survived by her loving son and daughter-in-law, Andrew Lee and Victoria Rutherford, and cherished grandchildren, Samantha Rutherford, Alexander Rutherford, and Zachary Rutherford. She is also survived by her twin sister, Lisa Alexander; sister, Gwendolyn Soliman; and brothers, Jim Wiley, Grover Wiley, and Scott Smith.

In addition to her mother and husband, Leslie was preceded in death by her son, Matthew Peyton Rutherford, and sister, Sandy Harris.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Highlands School.