Edna Mae Rush

Edna Mae (Kersey) Rush, 95, died January 18. She fulfilled a desire to pass on at home, breathing her last in the arms of her daughters Francis (Smith) and Jamie (Snyder). A lifelong teacher and champion of education, she taught thousands of students in public school systems across Indiana. A graduate of Central Normal College and the University of Evansville (masters), she taught business, science, literature and physical education classes at public middle and high schools in Gibson, Greene, Hancock, Hendricks, LaPorte and White counties. She was named head of the business faculty at Mount Vernon High School near Fortville, where she taught until her retirement in 1976. Her husband, Ted, who served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and preceded her in death in 2002, was also a teacher. This fact required the couple to quietly elope in 1939, as school policy at the time did not permit married couples to teach at the same school. While she would often joke about eloping, she would also quote the minister who married them, who remarked, “This will be a good marriage.� She would add: “It was!� The couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1989 before returning to Indiana from their home in Pasadena, California.
In addition to Francis (Carson City, Nevada) and Jamie (Indianapolis), she is survived by sons Jonne (Bradenton, Florida) and Wayne (Zionsville); and brother-in-law George Rush. Her middle son Jacce (Avon) preceded her in death in 2005. At the time of her death, she was beloved by 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Born in Amo in Hendricks County, she was one of three children (none surviving) by Charles P. Kersey and Minta Sechman Kersey.
A member of the United Church of God in Indianapolis, she attended the “More than Conquerors� and “Victory @ Sarasota� Christian congregations in Bradenton with son Jonne and daughter-in-law Charlene before returning to live in Indiana with her daughter Jamie and son-in-law Michael.
Memorial contributions may be made to a scholarship fund for her grandchildren administered by the Light for the Children Foundation (7050 S 850E Zionsville, IN 46077) or to a favorite charity.
Services will take place at 10 a.m. January 24 in Good Shepherd Chapel at the Flanner and Buchanan Oaklawn Cemetery (9700 Allisonville Road, Indianapolis) with the calling at the Good Shepherd Chapel on January 23 3-8 p.m. An online guest book is available at www.flannerbuchanan.com