Emma Rush

Emma Jean (Mathews) Rush, 94, of Fenton, MI (formerly Toledo, OH) died January 2, 2020 at Fenton Health Care. She was born November 25, 1925 in Kendallville, Indiana, to parents Orville B. and Dorothy F. (Warble) Mathews. On April 11, 1959, she married R. Eugene Rush at Aldersgate Methodist Church and, in December, gave birth to their only son, Gregory Allen.

Emma graduated in 1944 from Jessup W. Scott High School and then attended Toledo University (now The University of Toledo). Emma Jean worked professionally as a window display artist at Lamson’s Department Store at their downtown location. She advanced to designing displays at their branch stores, Parkway Plaza and Colony. Emma Jean was instrumental in 1971 Lamson’s Grand Opening at the Franklin Park Mall. She then started with Bueche’s Garden and Gift Center on Dorr Street and, in 1983, she moved to office manager at The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. She finally retired in 2009 at the age of 84.

She was also a very active community member. Emma and her husband, Gene, were active members of Young Republicans and the Jaycee’s (Junior Chamber of Commerce). She assisted Gene who chaired the 1966 Ohio Republican State Convention and worked on numerous local Republican campaigns. She succeeded her mother, Dorothy, as President of the Toledo Garden Club, where they were both active members for over twenty years. She was very active with Toledo Village Players and Toledo Repertoire Theater. Emma’s role in the local theaters ranged from hand-sewing costumes and dressing sets to working concessions and cooking in the kitchen for the cast and crew. She was awarded for her costume designs by the Ohio Community Theater Association.

Survived are her beloved son, Gregory, and daughter-in-law, Kimberly (Rabb) Rush, her grandchildren, Andrew David Rabb, Kaitlyn Kali Rush, and Kassidy Elyse Rush, and her nieces and nephews, Michael Benore, Karen Benore, Patrick Towle, Michael Towle, and George Towle. She is predeceased by her husband, R. Eugene Rush, her mother and father, Dorothy F. (Warble) and Orville B. Mathews, siblings, Mary Alice Mathews Benore, Patricia Mathews Towle, and Warren E. Mathews, and nephew, John Towle.

Funeral services will be private and held at the family members convenience. A memorial service will be held at Fenton Health Care, 512 Beach St. Fenton, MI at 2:30 pm on Monday, January 6. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Toledo Repertoire Theater or St. Francis de Sales High School.

Arrangements are being handled by Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Rd., Flint. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.