Holly E. Rutherford

Holly Elizabeth Rutherford, age 40 of Defiance, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 from injuries she sustained in an automobile accident.  
  
She was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on March 12, 1985 to Paula and Don Rutherford. She grew up in Muncie, Indiana surrounded by her loving family. Holly graduated from Wes-Del High School and was an avid reader all her life. She loved animals and always had at least one dog and one cat.

Holly and her father Don took many trips together while she was a student at Wes-Del and enjoyed a group trip to Europe. Holly moved to Defiance, Ohio when her father Don was transferred there. She made her home in Defiance and worked for ServiceMaster. Holly was a dedicated mother to her three wonderful children. 
  
Holly is survived by her mother Paula Rutherford of Muncie, IN, her father Don and his wife Suzanne of Spring Hill, Tennessee, her daughters Briley and Carly Rutherford, and her son Colton Rodriguez, all of Defiance. She also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins. 
  
She was preceded in death by her grandparents and other family members. 
  
Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A Memorial Service will immediately follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. 
  
In lieu of flowers, memorials  may be directed to The Holly Rutherford Education Fund for her children. Please make checks payable to: Don Rutherford, Administrator. 

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