Barbara R. Bushue

1948 - 2025

Clinton, WI - Barbara "Barb" R. Bushue, 77, of Clinton, WI, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025, in her home after a lengthy illness. Barb was born on August 31, 1948, in Harvey, IL, the daughter of Wayne and Mary (Harbison) Ladewig. Barb was a 1966 graduate of Thorton Township High School in Harvey, IL. She then attended Eastern Illinois University where she majored in English and was active in theater. Barbara was an English teacher for Charleston High School in Charleston, Il. Barb married Arthur Bushue on June 6, 1987, at First United Methodist Church in Mattoon, IL. Barbara and Art settled in Clinton, WI. She worked as a middle school English teacher for the School District of Beloit (SDB), in Beloit, WI and coached 7th and 8th grade girls' softball and volleyball for many years. Barb was active with the Beloit Education Association (BEA) for over 2 decades. She served as a chief negotiator for 23 years and as a delegate to both the Wisconsin Education Association and the National Education Association conventions. Her most cherished role in the BEA was that as the Professional Educator Rights and Responsibilities point person. After her complete retirement from the SDB in 2024, Barb received a Citation of Commendation by the Legislature of the state of Wisconsin for her service as a professional educator and her extensive union work. Barb found joy in many of life's offerings. As an avid reader of mystery books, she rarely read any other genre. She also loved camping, sailing, and cuddling her dogs Riley, Piper, and Ripple. Sitting on her deck and admiring her flower gardens while watching her dogs play was one of her greatest pleasures. She also looked forward to lengthy lunches with friends where there were shared stories and abundant laughter. Her son, Jason, loved to give extraordinary gifts to his mother. Because of his generosity, she was able to not only sky dive, but vacation in Hawaii and Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Barb was a fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Once as a teacher, she participated in a team-building ropes course where she proudly climbed a 50-foot pole and then stood on the top of it. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints. Barb and Art loved traveling and were able to visit a number of U.S. cities together while going on trips for the BEA and H and R Block. A memorable 9-day trip was taken as a family out West where Barb kept the newly formed family entertained with creative activities, such as group flute playing, during the long drive. Barb was a kindhearted, caring, and loyal person. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Survivors include her husband, Art Bushue, daughters Cheri Wiegman, and Lisa Murfitt, grandchildren Olivia Ratts, Karter and Lily Murfitt, and Jack and Alex Wiegman, and amazing neighbors, Mike and Melody LeFevre. Barbara was predeceased by her son, Jason Childress; a brother, Wayne Ladewig; and her parents. The family would like to give a special thank you to the nurses and staff of Beloit Regional Hospice for the care they provided to Barb. A memorial visitation for Barbara will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, followed by celebration of life at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment will be at Clinton Cemetery in Clinton, WI. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Beloit Regional Hospice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.daleymurphywisch.com