Robert Dennis Rushmore

Robert Dennis Rushmore, age 61, of Morley, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at his home in Morley.

Robert was born on March 9, 1964, at Kelsey Memorial Hospital in Lakeview, Michigan, to Dennis Lee Rushmore and Winifred Jean Rushmore (Stout). During his school years he was known as Bobby, to family and friends he was simply Bob, and at work he was Robert. He married the love of his life, Kim Elaine Rushmore (Marvel), on March 10, 1989, in Reno, Nevada, and together they shared 36 years of marriage.

A graduate of Morley Stanwood High School, Robert built a career that took him all over the country. He and Kim made the most of every Sunday on the road, exploring wherever the job had taken them. Whether it was a national park, a local tourist stop, or simply the long way around, Bob believed no Family Fun Day Sunday was complete without pulling out the gazetteer and seeing how many back roads could be taken to get to the destination. What could have been a 30 minute drive often turned into two or three hours, and that was exactly how he liked it. If there was a back road to take, Bob found it.

He met Kim while they were both working at Wolverine World Wide in 1985. Bob later worked in the bridge painting industry before joining the family business, Cross Country Pipeline, where he excelled in his trade and worked his way up through the ranks. He found his greatest comfort and pride in his role as a Foreman. Working alongside his wife and two of their three children in the industry was one of his greatest accomplishments, and having them out on the road with him was something he cherished deeply.

Bob loved his music, time with family and friends, and finding solutions to problems that usually began in his pole barn shop and ended with something clever that fixed a known issue. He was famous for hanging on to just about everything because, as he believed, there would come a day when it could be used. His hobbies and interests included tinkering in his shop, Farmall tractors, flea markets and yard sales, riding around on his golf cart, fishing, learning about history, watching western shows, and a fascination with Bigfoot. He had a soft spot for his dog, Rose, and an undeniable sweet tooth, especially for Teaberry gum, Werther's Original candies, Snickers Almonds, Peppermint Patties, and lemon meringue pie. Bob was rarely seen without his ballcap, often with a fishing hook clipped to the brim, which also doubled as the perfect place to hold little pieces of paper like parking garage tickets waiting to be validated. He took pride in his garden, especially his morning glories and sunflowers, and was always working through a never ending list of projects. He loved auctions and collecting, and he was never one to pass up a good deal. To his grandchildren, he was Papa, the steady presence they ran to, the one who always made time, even when he was busy, and the quiet place they felt safe.

He was resourceful, stubborn but caring, and a natural problem solver. He taught his kids how to work hard, fix what is broken, and find the long way when the short way was not the point. Kim was not just his wife, she was his partner in every sense, on the road, in work, and in life. Behind his stubborn streak was a heart that deeply cared for his people.

Bob courageously battled SMARCB1 deficient lung cancer, an exceedingly rare and highly aggressive malignancy. His primary tumor was never identified, and the disease had metastasized extensively to his bones. Determined to fight, he pursued every available treatment option, including multiple rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as several courses of radiation. He sought second and third opinions, including care teams at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. When advised to transition to hospice care in July 2025, Bob chose to continue treatment, a decision that allowed him an additional seven months of meaningful time and memories with family and friends. He completed his final radiation treatment just one week before his passing. Throughout his journey, he faced his illness with quiet strength, resolve, and an unwavering commitment to living fully for as long as possible.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Lee Rushmore, and his parents in law, Duane O. Marvel and Bonnie J. Marvel.

Robert is survived by his loving wife, Kim Elaine Rushmore of Morley, Michigan; his mother, Winifred Jean Rushmore (Stout) of Amble, Michigan; his children, Bobbi Jo Bright (Johnathan) of Stewart, Mississippi, Robert D. Rushmore, Jr. (Kaytie Parker) of Stanwood, Michigan, and Brian J. Thompson of Morley, Michigan; his grandchildren, Kyra M. Grey (Tristin) of Hesperia, Mataya Orona of Zephyrhills, Florida, Joseph Orona (Alicia) of Wesley Chapel, Florida, Brooklynn, Robert "Denny" Rushmore III, Delainey, Kaylen, Kinsley, Koleson, and Walker; and his great grandchild, Ryker.

Per his wishes, services have already taken place privately with close family and friends. Those who were close to Robert and would like to reach out to the family are welcome to do so.

Arrangements are entrusted to Corey Funeral Home in Evart, Michigan. Flowers or cards may be sent to the family directly.