Catherine Rush

Catherine Leigh Rush, 90, Independence, Kansas passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Gran Villas of Independence. Cremation has taken place and a memorial Graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Elk City, Kansas with Pastor Jack Wellman of Mulvane, Kansas officiating. Family suggest memorials be made the Elk City Kansas United Methodist Church or the Food Bank and may be left with the chapel.

Catherine was born October 6, 1925 to James M. and Irene M. Merritt at Elk City, Kansas. Early years were spent in both Elk City and Independence, Kansas communities. She graduated from Elk City High School in 1943, starting her working career at the Elk City Post Office. She was married to Robert E. Rush, son of Peter L. and Ruth Rush, on December 23, 1945 in Elk City, Kansas. Later, moving to Pittsburg, Kansas where Bob attended college. Catherine served as deputy city clerk in Pittsburg from 1948-1952.

In 1952, they moved to Branson, Missouri. She worked in the treasurer's office at School of the Ozarks and later doing office duties at Southern National Mfg. Co. She was active and the Presbyterian Church.

July 1964, to Bob's and Catherine's joy, Sandra J. Rush was adopted into their home. 1964 also saw the family moving to Arizona, where Catherine worked keeping the home and doing bookkeeping, retiring in 1989 after working in an accountant's office. In retirement, she did volunteer work in the Phoenix library system firmly believing reading is most important in all aspects of life. Catherine and Bob would later move to Wichita, Kansas to be near their daughter, Sandie and husband, Eddie. She then moved to Gran Villas in Independence, Kansas in 2015 after the death of her daughter.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, daughter, parents, brother and sister. One nephew, Kenzel Hare and two nieces: Betty Cook and Janice Reynolds. Survivors include one grandson Gerred Egan, Derby, KS; five nieces: Judy (Stub) Wilson, Independence, KS; Florence ( Melvin) McLaughlin, Wellsville, KS; Sharon (Sonny) Lewis, Prosper, TX; Helen (Bob) McFatridge, Robinson, TX; Carolyn Hare of Elk City and three nephews: Jim (Chris) Hare, Independence, KS, Gene Cook of Plano, Tx. and Jim DeWesse of Neodesha, Ks. ; 20 great nieces and nephews and 37 great-great nieces and nephews and 5- 3 times great nieces and nephews. One sister in law: Ruth Jones of Neodesha, Ks.

Arrangements by Webb & Rodrick Chapel and Crematory.

Service

Graveside Memorial Service

Oak Hill Cemetery
rural Elk City
Elk City, KS  67344
Saturday, June 25, 2016
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Oak Hill Cemetery
Elk City, KS  67344

Memorial Contributions

Elk City United Methodist Church
PO Box 1
Elk City, KS  67344

Kansas Food Bank
307 W Pecan
Independence, KS  67301