Obituary -- Martha Karol Rush 1940-2012

     Martha Karol Rush, daughter of Weltha Marie & Edmond Guy Allee was born at the family home in rural Sheridan, Missouri on August 3, 1940. Born the youngest of the family of 6, she was welcomed into the family by her siblings Maryon, Joanne, Bud, Beverly and Doy. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school where her mother was her teacher. She later attended school in Sheridan and graduated in 1958.

     Growing up with EG Allee as your father brought significant exposure to the horse business…. Martha embraced it and began her love affair with horses. She grew to be an accomplished rider winning numerous barrel races and even rode in the Wyoming Pony Express ride in 1960. At that time females were not allowed to participate but that didn’t bother Martha… she dressed up as a “very petite” male rider and did indeed, ride the Pony Express!

     After high school graduation Martha attended St. Joseph Beauty College in St. Joseph, Missouri and became a licensed beautician. She set up shop in Sheridan and embarked on her first career. It was nothing for Martha to “practice” on relatives or even herself…..Sheridan had some very colorful yet stylish hairdos ranging from orange all the way to green! She was a beautician ahead of her time!

     In 1957 Martha met up with a young dashing country boy named Marion Rush who went by the name of Ted. They became engaged and then married on May 23, 1959. This began their adventure together as man and wife. As a young married couple they moved around for a few years living in Missouri, New Mexico, California, Arizona, Wyoming and finally settling down in Missouri for good.

     Before moving back permanently , their eldest son Jeffery Mark was born June 6, 1962 in Richmond, Missouri while on a visit to Martha’s sister Maryon Asher and family. Once the move was made they settled down to the business of raising a family. Cody Dean followed, being born May 22, 1965, Melody Dawn on June 19, 1966, Justin Shawn, November 22, 1969 and Brandi Lynn, August 6, 1973. Martha was a wonderful fun loving mother. She was very proud of her kids and grandkids. As parents, Martha and Ted experienced the painful loss of their children Cody and Brandi.

     After being a stay at home mom, Martha challenged herself and enrolled in LPN school. After 2 years of juggling home, husband and kids she graduated August 22, 1980. Through the years, Martha wore several hats as a caregiver. She worked as a nurse and activity director at various nursing homes and took care of her sister Joanne after suffering a stroke, and her mother Marie. She and her sister-in-law Marilyn, also known as Aunt Mar, had plans to open up a home for the elderly in Sheridan but as often happens plans fall through. Not to be deterred, they turned the home into a restaurant and Silver Winds was born.

     Martha became involved with Sheridan’s Little Dinner Theatre as an advocate for the developmentally disabled adults. She engineered a night out for all the area disabled adults for a night of dancing, dining and theatre. Due to Martha’s commitment, the night at the dinner theatre became a highlight of many of their lives. It was an event eagerly anticipated by all who attended. She also directed the theatre for 4 years.

     In 1980 Martha gave her life to Christ and was baptized and became a member of the Sheridan Christian Church. Martha grew in her faith and loved the Lord and trusted in His love. She dearly loved the studies she had at her home and shared her faith with all.

     In December 1993, Ted was diagnosed with cancer. She and Ted fought the good fight together until the end. Ted passed from this life on September 2, 1994. Knowing that she had to go on with life, Martha started yet another chapter in her life… becoming an advocate for the elderly. She was appointed to the Silver Haired Legislator and was the area Ombudsman for the elderly. This became a passion of Martha’s to the end.

     Martha’s own battle with cancer was one she couldn’t win but she was a brave warrior. Martha passed on November 8, 2012 with her family and friends surrounding her with love.

     Martha’s love for life and her outgoing personality made for a lot of good times. Oh, the stories that could be told…and those that can’t be told!! Everyone in this room no doubt could tell one…maybe 2 or 3!! Martha’s friends became part of her family…each one securing a place in her heart. She became a second mom to her kids friends as they became part of her family as well. Martha was close with her nieces and nephews and together built many memories with them.
She organized family trips and Ted was famously recognized as traveling with his “harem of women!”

     As for Martha and me, we enjoyed one night a week as movie night. We would have a special supper, grab a bowl of popcorn and settle in for a night of gabbing and watching Cary Grant movies! She and her sister-in-law Willa, who because of the exploits, became lovingly known as Thelma and Louise. Ted’s sister Marilyn was as close to Martha as any sister could be and the stories told about them are endless! She also loved her night out to supper with the girls. She so looked forward to meeting with them. She left us with so many wonderful, precious memories…When you think of her, I know she would want you to think of her with a big smile on your face and with a happy heart.

     Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Edmond Guy and Marie Allee; sisters: Maryon Asher and Joanne Davis , children Cody and Brandi and husband Ted.

     Martha leaves behind son Mark and wife Rachel, daughter Melody Hawk and husband Gary, son Justin and wife Stefanie; grandchildren, Montana and Jackson Rush, Mary Joe Riley and husband Jonathan, Jacob Rush and Victoria Rush, great-grandchildren, Tuker, Sumer and Brianna Riley. Also surviving are brothers, Guy Allee and wife Willa, Doy Allee and wife Shirley and sister Beverly Mayes, Sisters-in-law Marilyn McKay, Kay Brown and Ruth Ogier, brothers-in-law Robert Rush and wife Carolyn, Richard Rush and wife Edith, Bill Rush and wife Emma, many nieces, nephews, friends and coworkers. They each held a special place in Martha’s life and she loved you all.

     Martha’s wish for memorial donations is for Relay For Life, Worth County Chapter. The family would also like to thank the Sheridan Christian Church and to all who helped during this time. It took a village.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, November 12, 2012 at the Sheridan Christian Church in Sheridan, Missouri. Interment was in the Sheridan Cemetery in Sheridan. Chaplain Joshua Allee officiated. Arrangements were under the direction of the Prugh-Dunfee Funeral Home in Grant City, Missouri.

--Written by Chandra Hopkins