Florence I Rush

Age 97, of Wilmington, formerly Morton, and Joliet, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Lightways Hospice in Joliet.

Born August 1, 1925 in Morton, IL a daughter to Daniel Sr. and Anna (Ladendorf) Gunther. She was raised and educated in Morton, graduating from Morton High School with the class of 1943. On August 23, 1945 she married Ralph Rush, Sr. in Peoria and together they cherished 60 years until his passing on February 1, 2006. Florence and Ralph moved to Joliet in 1953 before settling in Wilmington in 1957 where they made their home and raised their family. She worked in the Cafeteria for Caterpillar in Joliet for 20 years until her retirement. Florence and her husband were founding members of Island City Baptist Church, and were also member of the Will County Sportsman Club for over 40 years. She loved playing bingo, euchre and fishing. Her and Ralph traveled extensively over the years, especially to the Canadian Wilderness on numerous fishing excursions. Florence was a loving mother who cherished her family, was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include three children: Dennis (Mary) Rush of Wilmington, Bob ( Carol) Rush of Indiana and Jay (Eve) Rush of Wilmington; 11 grandchildren: Michelle (Mike) Galuzzi of TN, Jeff (Kim) Rush of TN, Cheri (Jim) Whitfield of TN, Patricia (Ben) York of TN, Andy (Ivette) Rush of Wilmington, Robin (Tony) Soucie of St. Ann, IL, Sara (Ken) Smith of IN, Curt (Chelsey) Rush of Diamond, Kyle (Mandie) Rush of Braidwood, Allie (Mike) Unger of Mazon and Arica (Michael) Hubbard of Mazon; 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; sister-in-law Jacque Rush of Alabama and numerous nieces and nephews.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Husband Ralph Sr., one son Roger Rush, infant daughter Terrie Lynn, three sisters: Marge Benson, Gertrude Pettijohn and Leona Eaton Orr, and two brothers: Theodore Gunther and Daniel Gunther Jr.

Cremation rites have been accorded. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 E. Kahler Road, in Wilmington from 11:00 am until time of memorial service at 12:00 pm. Pastor Jeff Logsdon will officiate and burial will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery where Florence will be laid to rest with her husband Ralph Sr.

Preferred memorials in Florence’s memory may be made as gifts to Island City Baptist Church.

Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to submit photos, sign the online guestbook and share Florence’s memorial page via social media.

Cremation and memorial services have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815-476-2181)