Rebecca Rowe Rutherford Steinmann, age 76, died October 28 at Southeast Georgia Health System Hospital Brunswick campus. She passed peacefully in her sleep.

Born in Monahans, TX, to Lieutenant Commander James Alfred Rutherford, Sr. and Hilda Johnson Rowe Rutherford, she graduated from Glynn Academy in 1965.  She attended the University of Georgia and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. She began her career at the First National Bank of Brunswick in 1966 and spent most of her adult life working for SunTrust Bank of Georgia, where she was the first female Vice President promoted to such a position.

As Senior Vice President and Cashier, she oversaw the financial and facilities aspects of the bank.  She also held various officer positions for the Brunswick YWCA, Brunswick Junior Woman's Club, Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority, and March of Dimes.  She was a charter member of the local League of Women Voters.  The education of youth and adults was very important to her.  She served as coordinator for Explorer Troops for the Boy Scouts, as an adviser for Junior Achievement, and as an instructor for the American Institute of Banking.

Rebecca was awarded the Personal Economics Program education award given by the American Bankers Association, and she was named the first female Boss of the Year by the American Business Women's Association.  She enjoyed her financial and operational duties, but most of all she enjoyed assisting and teaching dedicated women who worked toward their career.

In 1991 Rebecca married Fred James Steinmann, a purchasing agent for the Glynn County School System.  She and Fred retired around 2002 and they enjoyed world travel for many years together.

Rebecca is preceded in death by her parents.  Survivors include her husband Fred, sister Virginia Ann Rutherford and husband David Amundson of Missoula, MT, and niece Alice Rowe Amundson and husband Spencer Goldrich of White Plains, NY, and brother James Alfred Rutherford, Jr. and wife Julie of Alpharetta, GA, and numerous beloved cousins.

A graveside burial service will be held Saturday, November 18 at 10 AM at Palmetto Cemetery with Reverend Gareth Allcott officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 900 Gloucester St., Brunswick, GA  31520.

Directions to gravesite: Palmetto Cemetery, 3412 Ross Road, Brunswick, GA 31520: Palmetto West, Main Entrance (Red Brick Entrance Way), Gravesite is located on the left side at 12th Street.  Parking will be available on 11th Street of 13th Street.

Chapman Funeral Chapel & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.