Mary Ruschill

Mary E. Ruschill, 90, of Mount Pleasant, died Sunday, January 4, 2026, at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.

Mrs. Ruschill, the former Mary Ellen Riley, was born July 11, 1935, in Glasgow, Iowa. She was the daughter of John Wilbur and Frances (Messer) Riley. She attended school in Denmark, Iowa, and graduated from Denmark High School as a member of the Class of 1953.

On September 5, 1953, at the Methodist Parsonage, Mary was united in marriage to James "Jim" Frederick Ruschill. Mr. Ruschill died Monday, June 17, 2013, at Pleasant Manor Care Center in Mount Pleasant.

Mary worked at Sylvania in Burlington for a few years following her marriage. After they started their family, Mary took on the role of a stay-at-home mom to raise their children. She also did some painting and wallpaper hanging on the side, as well as assisting with her husband Jim's construction business, Ruschill Construction. For a time, she also kept the books for the construction company.

While living in the Lowell, Iowa, area, Mary was a member of and taught Sunday School at the Lowell Baptist Church. After their move to Mount Pleasant, Mary and Jim became members of the First United Methodist Church.

Mary was an extremely talented quilter. She loved to bake and cook as well. She enjoyed eating out with her "Once a Month Lunch Bunch." Mary spent many enjoyable hours playing cards with friends. She gave of herself often, volunteering at nursing homes, the Oakland Mills Nature Center, and the Quarter Maybe More Store.

Those thankful for sharing in Mary's life include her children and spouses, Jeffrey and Cathy Ruschill of Mount Pleasant; Sue and John Lambert of Burlington; Robin and Brent Lehman of New London; and Jerry and Kendra Ruschill of Mount Pleasant; 12 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren; and step-great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Mary Riley and Deloris Ruschill, both of Mount Pleasant, and brother-in-law Gary Yaley of Danville.

Her parents, husband, and two brothers, John Riley Jr. and Kenneth Riley, preceded her in death.

Friends may call from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The family will not be present at that time but will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

A funeral service for Mary will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 8, at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mount Pleasant. The Rev. Court Fischer, senior pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Mount Pleasant.

Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Oakland Mills Nature Center or The Fellowship Cup.

Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.