Joyce Rush

Joyce Rush, 79, of North Pekin died at 11:15 pm Friday, September 24, 2010 at her home with her family by her side. L. Joyce was born on February 26, 1931 in Plentywood, Montana to Clyde H. and Iva G. (O'Mara) Lovelace. She married Willie J. Rush on February 24, 1956 in Peoria County, IL. He died on February 1, 2008. Also preceding in death are her parents, siblings, and grandparents. She and her siblings, Kenny, Kitty and Cecilia were raised by their grandfather, John Lovelace and her namesake, Lillian Maud Manners Lovelace, who taught her how to be a wonderful grandmother. Surviving is: one son, Alan (Char) Rush of RR Peoria, IL; one daughter, Dede O'Mara of North Pekin; three granddaughters, Kibby (Fred) Flores, Kendra (Kyle) Varnold and Cassie Drew; one great grandson, Nicholas. She was blessed with a loving abundance of nephews, nieces, cousins and other family. Joyce was employed in the accounting department at Caterpillar, Inc. for 32 years retiring in 1993. She took pleasure in traveling after her retirement. She found great joy in reading, teaching her grandaughters to sew and cook, taking trips to Walmart, and spending time with family. She loved celebrating holidays by dressing as Mrs. Claus (along with Willie as Santa) and by handing out root beer to trick-or-treaters. The family wishes to thank Robert Bevill, M.D. and his staff for their years of caring attention and support of Willie and Joyce.