RUTHERFORD, Robert Ray

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Tuesday, August 14, 2012 Robert Rutherford, 83, born Nov. 18, 1928, in Walla Walla, Wash., passed away Aug. 13, 2012, in Prescott Valley, Ariz. Services will be 10 a.m. Aug. 18, 2012, at Sunrise Funeral Home, 8167 E. Highway 69, Prescott Valley, Ariz. Arrangements by Sunrise Funeral Home. ~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Wednesday, August 15, 2012 Robert Ray Rutherford, 83, died peacefully at home on Aug. 13, 2012. Bob was born on Nov. 18, 1928, in Walla Walla, Wash., to Merrill and Gladys (McHargue) Rutherford. He graduated from high school in Enterprise, Ore., received a B.A. in mathematics from Washington State University in 1951, and was commissioned in the United States Air Force the same day. He served in the Air Research and Development Command for five years. Through Operation Bootstrap, he received his master's degree in mathematics and physics from Boston University. In the Air Force, he was instrumental in developing the first pilot ejection seats suitable for jet aircraft. He later pioneered many developments in the semiconductor industry and was known as the "zener diode czar." His long, eventful career in semiconductors was spent mostly in Phoenix, much of it with Motorola. His last assignment was in sales as head of the General Motors account. He was predeceased by his parents; brother Bruce; son Douglas Bruce; and granddaughter Molly Elizabeth Austin. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Arda Aileen Sprague Rutherford; daughters Mary Joanne Austin and Julia Rae Van Arsdale; sons Robert Richard (Claudia) and Stephen Merrill (Susan); seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. Bob was an Eagle Scout, a Sunday school teacher at Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix, former board member of Indian Arts and Crafts Association, Lion, and advisory board member of the Salvation Army. He loved camping with his family, taking his sons on Boy Scout camping trips, world travel and visits to artisans on the Hopi reservation. His family will miss his lovely smile, sense of humor and wisdom. Bob appreciated the care and comfort provided during his last difficult months by Good Samaritan Care Center, Good Samaritan Hospice, the Caring Presence and his loving family. The family suggests donations to Save the Children, Prescott Salvation Army or Prescott Valley Early Bird Lions Foundation, P.O. Box 25495, Prescott Valley, AZ 86312, or one's charity of choice in lieu of flowers. Service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18, 2012, at Sunrise Funeral Home, 8167 E. Highway 69, Prescott Valley, AZ 86314. His remains will be interred at the Prescott National Cemetery. Sunrise Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.sunrisefuneralhome.com to sign Robert's guestbook. Information provided by survivors.