Obituary for Margaret Lynn (Rutherford) Stark

Margaret Lynn Stark passed away peacefully at Providence Hospital in Novi, Michigan, on December 3, 2022, in the presence of loving family members and in the arms of her beloved husband, Tom.

She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on December 4, 1957, to Robert and Mary Dolores (Markey) Rutherford. Margaret grew up in Saginaw County, graduating from Bridgeport High School in 1976. After graduating with a nursing degree from Delta College, she married her high school sweetheart, Tom Stark, in 1981, and soon settled in Hartland, Michigan. In 1992 they were blessed by the arrival of their son Sam.

Margaret thrived in her two chosen career choices of nursing and parenting. A highly skilled nurse, she was an advocate for her patients and was known as a compassionate caregiver with a calming bedside manner. Her greatest joy was that of being Sam’s mother, enjoying his milestones, preparing him for his future endeavors, cheering him on in academics , music and sports, watching him compete on the baseball diamond and golf courses in all kinds of weather at all levels. She loved all of it.

Those who knew Margaret will remember her sense of humor, wit, and her laughter, her sense of fun, her love of everyone in her family. They enjoyed receiving her birthday cards and marveled at her beautifully decorated cakes for all occasions. They will remember her needlework and Santa Claus collection, her quilting, sewing and handicrafts. They will know how she faithfully cheered for the Spartans, Lions, Tigers, Hartland Eagles, and Ferris State Bulldogs. They might have played softball with her in her younger years, or played “Chase the Ace” at family parties. She might have shared her grilled chicken marinade recipe or some other great culinary secret from her kitchen. She had the gift of hospitality and, along with Tom, warmly welcomed people to their home. She loved Christmas and big family gatherings and made it a point to converse with every person in attendance and make them feel special.

Thoughtful and generous, Margaret freely offered a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear and a safe place to land. She also could be counted on for her honest opinion and wasn’t afraid to ask others for advice. Margaret battled years of chronic illness with determination, courage and dignity, while living her life to the fullest. She refused to let illness define her. Margaret touched the hearts of many and will be deeply missed by all who loved her, including: Husband, Tom, Son, Sam, Mother, Mary Dolores Rutherford.

Siblings and Siblings In-law: Tim and Theresa Rutherford, Mary and John Skoglund , Jane and Mike Alsgaard, Tom and Cindy Rutherford, Ann Huntington, George and Linda Rutherford, Mary Rose Rutherford , Alice and Shawn Overgaard, Jim and Cinda Stark, Lindsay and David Susalski., and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special family friends.

Margaret was preceded in death by her infant daughter Katie Ann Stark, father Robert Rutherford, brother Matthew Rutherford, parents-in-law Larry and Joyce Stark and brother-in-law Kim Huntington.

Visitation honoring Margaret’s life will take place on Friday, December 9th at Lehman Funeral Home, in Portland, Michigan where family will receive visitors from 3-8 pm. Her funeral liturgy is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, December 10th at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Portland, Michigan.

Those wishing to include a contribution honoring her memory may consider the Michigan Lupus Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.