Kenneth E. Rush

Kenneth E. Rush, 93, of Waterport, passed away peacefully at Evergreen Place on January 11th with family at his side.
Son of the late LaVerne & Elsie (Plummer) Rush, he was predeceased by the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Newton in 2020. Together they raised 5 children: Robin (Randy) Wright, Susan (Larry) Gaylard, Kelly (James) Peruzzini, Terri Rush (Carl Beecher), and Gregg (Elizabeth) Rush. He was Papa to 16 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Ken is survived by his sisters Shirley Maddock, Donna Orbison and brother Roger Rush as well as sisters-in-law Judith Newton, Rita (Richard) Soule, and brothers-in-law Thomas Goulet and David (Susan) Newton, along with several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by his sister Karen Whiting, brother Gary Rush, brothers-in-law Neil Newton, John Newton, David Maddock, Wayne Obison, sisters-in-law Janet Goulet, Joanne Newton and Eleanor Rush.

Ken graduated from Albion High in 1950. He was a member of Holy Family Parish, the Carlton Fire Company (Lifetime) and St. Mary’s Archer’s Club as well as various sportsman and farming organizations. He enjoyed decades of hunting, fishing and trapping with family and good friends. Ken liked to golf and loved taking vacations with Betty stopping to visit family and friends along the way. He looked forward to morning coffee breaks with ‘the guys’ at the Apollo and McDonalds.

Ken was proud to represent the people of Carlton as a Town Councilman for many years followed by several years as an Orleans County Legislator. His greatest joy was his family but he spent a lifetime farming, working the soil from sun up to sun down with dedication, patience and pride. Farming was more than an occupation, it was a way of life. He started the family business known to many locally as “Rush’s” Through long days, changing seasons and years of hard work Ken remained deeply committed to the land and to providing for family and community.

Ken, Dad, Pops, Papa, Great-Papa ….. you will be missed by your big, beautiful, noisy family!

Ken’s family will receive friends at the Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 21 West Ave. Albion, NY 14411 on Friday, January 16th from 3:00-7:00pm. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph’s Church, W. Park St. Albion, NY 14411 on Saturday, January 17th at 10:00am with interment to follow at Mt. Albion Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Ken’s name may be made to the Carlton Fire Department 14341 Waterport-Carlton Rd. Albion, NY 14411.

To share a special memory of Ken, please visit www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com.