In Memory

Vernon E. “Vern” Rush

Vernon E. Rush, age 84, passed from this life at home on Thursday December 8, 2005, after a valiant battle with cancer. Vernon E. Rush was born in Brownsville, Oregon November 23, 1921 to Virgil E. Rush and Mabel Atkin Rush, the fourth of five children. He attended school in Ashland from Lincoln Elementary through Ashland High, where he met his wife in 1939.

Vern married Thomasina Pritchard Rush, December 3, 1941, in Astoria, Oregon, 4 days before Pearl Harbor, while he was stationed at Ft. Stevens in the Coast Artillery. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary December 3,2005 with family at their home in Phoenix, Oregon. Vern enjoyed his athletic years in school and loved hunting, fishing and family reunions. He was an honest, hard working Christian man who loved his family and made many loyal lifelong friends.

He served 6 years and 4 months in National Guard and the US Army in WWII. His career covered many jobs including, truck and bus driver, wholesale grocery warehouse, market manager, motel and restaurant manager with his wife in the 60's as well as partner-operators of the Medford Dairy Queen with Loretta and Vern Lehman in the 70's. When he retired, Vern and Tommie established Rush Relief Motel Management and traveled the west coast as emergency replacement for owners who needed time out. They lived in Brookings for 20 years, returning to the Rogue Valley in 2001.

In addition to his wife, Vern is survived by his two sons, Michael and Charles Rush, Chuck’s wife Margaret and five grandsons; Martin, Keldon, Joseph, Charles Vernon Jr., Jefferey and their wives; one grand daughter, Rebecca Hohman, husband David; five great grandsons, Jordan Hohman, Ian Voje, Wesley Rush, Nathaniel Rush, Ryan Rush and eight great grand daughters; Myan & Kieran Rush, Taylor Voje, Alexandra, Mackenzie, Hannah, Grace and Rebecca Rush. Vern is also survived by his sister, Loretta Rush and husband, Vern Lehman; two sisters-in-law, Carole Carter Rush of Brookings, LeLaine Graham Rush of White City and numerous nieces and nephews. Vern was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Opal Rush Carter and his brothers, Gale and Glen Rush. A memorial gathering will be announced after cremation. He was loved and he will be missed by many.