Sally Jo Rush, 84, of Highland, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening at the Hiawatha Hospital. 

Sally was born in Sabetha, Kansas on April 30, 1938, to Paul and Donna Kerr.  She was the oldest of 3 daughters and lived in Doniphan County all her life.  She graduated Severance High School in 1956 and married her high school sweetheart Edmond (Gene) Rush on April 19th, 1957.

She was a member of Highland United Presbyterian Church and Eastern Star Worthy Matron.

Sally and Gene made their home six miles southeast of Highland, Kansas on a farm in a five bedroom house with one bath, no A/C, and one small floor furnace, along with the first social medial platform: (a party line telephone).  This house was 2 miles from any rock road.  Gene always said, “Those were the good ole days”, which the rest of the family didn’t believe, however, they do now.

Sally raised four ornery children that were all born one year apart.  This is when multi-tasking became a way of life.  The family lived off the land.  Truly from the garden to the table or to a jar.  Sally could have just dressed 10 chickens waiting for final process, rolls and pies coming out of the oven and still prepare a hot meal for the men in the field, then turn around and take the men in the field desert and iced tea for the afternoon break.  She truly catered to every-ones needs.
Sally took a job with Einbenders, which at that time was the largest women’s department store in the St. Joseph, MO area.  She became the top bridal dress salesperson during her employment and enjoyed helping many brides to the alter.

Sally got the opportunity to be closer to home and cook for the Highland school district.  This is where everyone was called:  HONEY, DARLIN, SWEET-HEART, or SUGAR.  Many former students have told stories of her having cookies or cake for them to “sneak” in between classes.

In 1995 Sally and Gene moved to town and opened the Meadow Lark B&B, her dream job.  They enjoyed hosting people from all over the world for 20 years.  During this time, she also catered many events big and small.
Sally was a self-taught chef known for her pies and pastries and her cooking skills.  She was a master at feeding large crowds and served the community with generosity and love.  It didn’t matter how many projects she had going, there was always a home cooked meal on the table for her family.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents and husband Edmond (Gene) Rush.

She is survived by her sons: Paul and wife Karla of Highland, Tim and wife Sherri of Wimberley, TX, Mike and wife Tammy of Leona, and her daughter Julie Tevebaugh and husband Dale of Leavenworth, grandchildren:  Jackie Wilburn, Prairie Village, KS, Stephanie Lykins and husband Ryan, Columbus, MD, Morgan Rush, Kansas City, MO, Mason Rush, Highland, Brooklyn Rush, Highland; great-granddaughters, Iris and Elspeth Lykins; step-grand-son John Cortissoz, Wimberley, TX, step granddaughter Jai-ci Shockley Platte City, MO, great-grand-daughters Jayci and Anabell, both of Wimberley.

Also surviving are two sisters Nancy Manley and husband Jerry of Manhattan, KS, Janet Lesage and husband Donnie of Marysville, KS, and numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Highland after 10 a.m. Tuesday where the family will meet from 5 until 7 that evening.

Services will follow at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Highland United Methodist-Presbyterian Church.  Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Severance.