Barbara Rush

Barbara "Joan" Rush, 83, of Brainerd, died Tuesday, May 1, 2007 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Funeral services will be Friday, May 4, at 1 pm, at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, with Reverend Bob Twiton officiating. Luncheon will follow in Brennys reception room. Friends may visit at the funeral chapel from 11 am to 1 pm. Services will be followed by cremation.
Barbara Joan Darby was born September 24, 1923 in Leicester, England, where she grew up and attended school. She met Kenneth Rush during his military service in England, and they were married June 18, 1945. Joan and her first baby traveled by ship to the US, where they lived with Ken's family until his discharge from the service. The couple lived in Osseo and then in Maple Grove. Joan worked as a waitress for twenty years at The Round Table in Osseo, and then worked at Texton's manufacturing in Edina. Joan and Ken moved to North Long Lake, where they built their retirement home 20 years ago. A stubborn English woman, Joan never lost her British accent, and she was able to return to visit her beloved England after being in the US for 32 years. She enjoyed watching British TV channels, including the Benny Hill Show. She was an avid reader and enjoyed cooking; she had an extensive recipe book collection. She enjoyed playing card games with her grandchildren.

Joan will be deeply missed by Kenneth, her husband of 61 years; children, Barbara (Dennis) Ehlert, Ham Lake, Barry (Patti) Rush, Elk River, Bonnie (Patrick) Hayek, Andover, and Sis(Betty) and JR (Leroy) Finken, St. Rosa; 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Bill Darby, England; many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, and nephews; and her special "Crazy Cat." She was preceded in death by her parents; her twin sister; and a son, Brian Rush. Services entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter. www.brenny.com