Patsy Rush

Patsy Irene Upshaw Rush 1930 ~ 2019

Patsy was from Blackburn, Oklahoma, and was born on August 30, 1930.  She died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 in Idaho Falls, Idaho.  She had suffered a major stroke 8 years earlier which took her short term memory, and took her from the home that she loved, in Orem, Utah.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Commodore Perry Rush, who passed away May 4, 2005; her parents, Fred Burl Upshaw and Ruby Viola Rhodes Upshaw; 4 brothers and 3 sisters, 1 grandchild, and 1 great-grandchild.  Patsy’s only surviving sibling is Ralph Upshaw of Downy, Idaho.  Patsy is survived by 5 children, Perry Rush and his wife Vicki, from Spartanburg, South Carolina; Iris Judd and her husband David, from Idaho Falls, Idaho; Valerie Severe and her husband Ray, from Idaho Falls, Idaho; Teresa Goodman and her husband Dale, from St George, Utah; and Angela Olson and her husband  Scott, from Lompoc, California.  Patsy is also survived by 40 grandchildren, 81 great-grandchildren (with 3 on the way), and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Patsy and Commodore eloped when denied permission to marry by Patsy’s father.  They have lived in Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, South Dakota, Georgia, California, Arizona, and Utah.  Patsy and Commodore joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pierre, South Dakota, following an 18 month intensive personal investigation of church doctrine.  Thirty-one years later they returned to South Dakota to serve in the Rapid City South Dakota Mission, mostly in Eagle Butte, SD.  They served as Ordinance Workers in the Provo and Mt Timpanogos Temples.  Patsy also served in Ward and Stake leadership positions in the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society programs.  Of Patsy and Commodore’s descendants and spouses, 27 have served missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and 8 have served in the Armed Forces.  Patsy was a wonderful example of magnifying her callings and serving others.  She loved sports and was quite the basketball and softball player in her day.  She even participated in a bowling league in her earlier years.  Patsy was an excellent home-maker and wonderful cook, she loved yardwork, had a “green thumb”, and knew the names of trees and plants.  Most of all, Patsy was known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.  She loved to laugh, and if something “tickled her funny bone” she would laugh until she cried.  Though we will miss her deeply, we are overjoyed that she is reunited with her beloved husband, and other cherished loved ones who preceded her passing.

Funeral services for Patsy Irene Upshaw Rush will include:

Viewing                       Friday, April 19, 2019              6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Viewing                       Saturday, April 20, 2019         9:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Funeral Services          Saturday, April 20, 2019         11:00 a.m.

All services will be conducted at the Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary and Funeral Home located at 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah 84058.

Patsy will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Commodore in the Orem City Cemetery, following the services.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sundbergolpinmortuary.com .