A REMARKABLE businesswoman who led a Dales dynasty by example has died at the age of 78.

Greengrocer Joan Rutherford, who ran and lived at her shop in Stanhope, County Durham, for more than six decades, passed away on Thursday (April 16).

At 16 Mrs Rutherford, then Joan Woodhall, borrowed £7 from her father Joe to start a fruit and vegetable business on Front Street in 1952.

She met Gordon Rutherford, of Riggside Farm, St John’s Chapel, on the waltzer at Stanhope Show and they married in 1959.

Mr Rutherford, 83, who said his family adored Joan, ran a mobile shop while Mrs Rutherford continued to run the store under her maiden name.

In the 1960s the family bought a share at Stanhope Caravan Park, which they now own, and her strong work ethic inspired younger generations of the family into business.

Daughter Diane Wright runs a bakery and tea room and a clothes shop while granddaughter Stephanie opened a traditional sweet shop in 2010.

Granddaughter Michelle ran a fruit and vegetable stall in Wolsingham for three years which will soon move into a shop, named Woodhall’s - in tribute to her grandmother.

Meanwhile , grandson Graham props up all the businesses.

Mrs Wright, 49, said: “She was so proud of what we did from the seeds of her hard work.

“Starting a shop as a girl of 16 in the 1950s makes it even more phenomenal.”

Mrs Rutherford opened her shop seven days a week and, until she became unwell a month ago, made early morning trips to Team Valley fruit market three times a week.

“She had such energy and commitment to serving people," added Mrs Wright.

“It was not just about making money or the business, it was more.

“It was a way of life, she believed independent shops are more than a business or even a service but a hub for the community.”

After their honeymoon in London, Mr and Mrs Rutherford took no time off to holiday until their golden wedding anniversary when they returned to the capital.

They enjoyed it so much they returned several times and were thrilled to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in 2011 in recognition of her long career.

Along with family and work, Mrs Rutherford was passionate about Weardale.

She was particularly supportive of Stanhope Silver Band, as her family had many band connections, and of the annual Stanhope Show, of which she was proud to be made vice president recently.

Mrs Wright said: “She wasn’t an old 78 and never considered retiring, she was interested in every part of the community and life.”