Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Carol Adrian Obituary
Born: April 14, 1938
Died: July 26, 2024
Carol Adrian's story starts and stops with her family.
Born Carol Louise Rush in Jefferson City, Mo., as the eldest of six siblings, her journey brought her to Ottawa, Ill. There, she and Harry Adrian lived for 65 loving years, raising their five children.
Together, their love of family drove their pursuit of adventure - from summers spent celebrating Independence Day in Lake of the Ozarks to trips overseas to discover new cultures and experiences. In between, they could be found driving their RV across the country - to California, Maine, Florida and many destinations in between - stopping along the way for trout fishing, antiquing and picnics. Jazz and classical music offered the soundtrack for their road trips and lives.
Carol and Harry were inseparable and defined by a deep, abiding love. That legacy of love extended to their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Carol affectionately presented every grandchild and great grandchild with a hand-crocheted sweater at birth. The biggest gift she bestowed, however, was the quality time she would then spend with each of them, offering a listening ear, sage advice and proud smile as they met milestones large and small. She passed along her love of reading, sewing and desserts to her family, as well as countless traditions that they will carry on in her memory.
Carol also has left an indelible mark on her community. While raising five children, she completed her bachelor's degree in education at Northern Illinois University. In the subsequent years, she taught elementary school in Marseilles, Ill., and, for many more years after that, at St. Anthony's School in Streator, Ill., where she instilled in her first graders a love for raising butterflies and reading.
Just as she taught in life, she continues to teach in death - through the donation of her body to science and, importantly, through the legacy of family and faith that she created and instilled in those lucky to know and love her.
Carol offers a portrait of a life well lived and of a person deeply loved. She is survived by Harry and their children: Harry Jr. (Margie) of Linn Creek, Mo; Tambra (Matthew) Diersen of Atlanta; Sandra (Eric) Miller of Chicago; Andrew (Colette) of Freeburg, Ill.; and Randy (Alicia) of Eureka, Calif, 16 grandchildren, and 21 great grandchildren. She also is survived by her sister, Sharon (Mike) Brown, of Summerton, SC and her brother Joe (Kristi) Rush of Brigham City, Utah. She was predeceased by her parents, Catherine and Ephraim Rush, and 3 brothers; William, Ephraim (known as Bud), and Garhard (known as Gary) Rush.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in support of their pediatric program. sralab.org/give-now
Private services will be held with immediate family only.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carol Adrian
Kevin and Michele Brown
August 6, 2024
To Uncle Harry and Family - my condolences, love and prayers. God bless you all. Thank you Aunt Carol for all the smiles and love. To long between visits but the love is never forgotten.
Barbara Rush
July 29, 2024
To Harry and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. When Mike left us last year, she wrote a beautiful letter to me and my family. She was very loved by all, even 25 years later, I remember the early years when we all had our precious kids and the times together. When you get sad remember the good memories she made with all of you and our families, May God give you comfort through this time because He has a plan. Thats what has gotten me through all the years of my journey. Take care Harry. Love to all, Barb Rush from Colorado.
Mary Adrian
July 29, 2024
My memories of Carol: First, she was a Lady. And such a sweet and good one. She and I first met Christmas 1976 at our Mother and Father´s In-Law´s home on Booneville Road here in Jefferson City-an Annual thing FOR YEARS! I, like everyone else liked Carol immediately and the longer I knew her the more I admired her. She in my mind, was a quiet gracious woman who was loved by all who knew her. And I feel I really had the opportunity when we spent two weeks on a boat-24/7! How did this come about?! Well, I´ll tell you! In 2001 shortly after 9/11 Roger and I bought a boat in Detroit-a 50´ Trawler to be taken down to our 2nd home in Florida and we asked Harry and Carol to join us for the last leg of the 70 day trip. They agreed and flew to Jacksonville where we picked them up in a cab and returned to the Marina and boarded the boat. Our first major stop was St. Augustine! where we stayed 2, maybe 3 nights: there was SO MUCH to see and do!! One was taking a tour bus throughout the oldest City in America! The highlight being the old Fort of course! After visiting many shops, restaurants and old beautiful Mansions, we re-boarded and headed South on down the Inter-coastal. Next major stop: Daytona Beach and NASA. Finally reaching W. Palm Beach we entered and "locked" (5) across Lake Okachobee on down the Caloosahatchee River to the house in Cape Coral. During all this time Carol and I spent a lot of it girl-talking! in the salon with Roger and Harry on the Flybridge. I felt we really got to know each other in those two weeks. She told me things I did not know and I expect I did the same and by the end I felt we´d become real close friends-how could we not?! After they flew home I´ve thought of her many times and the stories we´d traded. Those were good days that left many good memories. I felt I´d really gotten to know her and I will always remember her as a very special intelligent woman-one who without effort was loved and respected by any who met her. I´m so thankful I was one of the many, but I regret we didn´t live closer.... Rest in Peace Carol, for you surely above many others deserve it. Your sis-in-law, Mary
Megan Conness Jenkel
July 27, 2024
Mrs. Adrian was my 1st grade teacher at St Anthony. I loved every minute in her classroom. She made every one feel special and loved. I remember the butterfly project with joy. She had a full wonderful life and will be truly missed by all.
Columbia, IL
Chad and Erica Rush
July 27, 2024
To our dearest family, we are so sorry to hear of Aunt Carols' passing. Although it's been a while, the Rush reunion at Lake of the Osarks in 2000 gave me quality time with my aunt and Uncle Harry. God bless all of you at this time. Until we meet again, love always, Chad and Erica Rush.
Dawn Rush
July 27, 2024
Aunt Carol, I will greatly miss knowing you are a phone call away or a visit while I am in town. You have always shown me unconditional love and gave me the sense of family that will forever be with me. Your heart was genuine and anyone who knew you, knew this. You were an example of strength and humbleness and taught me so much more than you know. You will be greatly missed by so many. Sending lots of prayer and hugs to Uncle Harry and family. Love you Aunt Carol! ~Dawn Rush
Marlene Murphy
July 27, 2024
I will always remember Carol with a smile. Our families shared so many memories. Her kindness will live on in her children.
Deanna (Rush) Schaefer
July 27, 2024
Such a beautiful soul. She lived a beautiful life, and leaves behind a beautiful legacy. Thank you, Aunt Carol for your selfless and unconditional love. You will be greatly missed! Praying for Uncle Harry, Harry Jr., Andy, Randy, Sandy, Tammy, and all your families.
Much love,
Deanna (Dee) and Pete
St. Anthony's School
July 27, 2024
When I first started teaching, she was my mentor. Over the years, she became a friend. Whenever I was working to set up my classroom and I would bring my young son, she would take him over to her classroom and spend time with him. As he grew over the years, he would get so excited to visit her classroom across the hall. He would always come back with a smile and a cookie from her cookie jar! After I stopped working there, Carol would call to visit. Over the years, whenever I would run into her, she would ask for us to get together. It was genuine...not just polite conversation. She truly cared about others and spending time with her friends was so important to her.
Our conversations over the years always focused on family. As a young parent, she would listen and give sage advice. She would always share stories about her own kids and grandkids. I felt like I knew them, though we hadn't met. I used to dream of my kids being grown and we too had a summer home in the Ozarks where we would all gather together.
Carol was the kindest person I knew. She will be missed. My condolences go to your whole family.
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Carol Adrian's name
Memorial Events
for Carol Adrian
How to support Carol's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Carol Adrian's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
