Jon Carl William Rush
March 22, 1949 – March 2, 2022
Jon was born in San Francisco on March 22, 1949 to Kathleen and Carl Rush, the third child of five and the only son. As a young boy, the family moved to Concord, California where he attended Catholic school and served as an altar boy at Queen of All Saints. In 1967, Jon met the love of his life, Barbara Worth where they both worked after school at the A&W. He was a cook and she was a car-hop. After college, Jon and Barbara married in September of 1971 and they honeymooned along the California coast.
In the 1960’s, Jon and Barbara explored California to the fullest, camping, hiking, attending concerts and the A’s baseball games. In 1975 Jon and Barbra took their two years of savings to travel cross country and flew to Europe for four months. As a historian, Jon reveled in the sights of the European cities from the Acropolis to the Eiffel Tower. They even ventured across the iron curtain and after some harrowing experiences made it back west where they packed up again to move from California to Montana.
In 1978, they welcomed to their family a daughter, Christina, followed by a son, Ben, in the summer of 1980. Jon loved his role as a father taking every advantage for family vacations, holidays, coaching and school activities.
Jon enjoyed his career at the phone company in Helena where he worked from 1977 until his retirement in 2003.
After retirement, Jon and Barbara took to the skies again to travel to Europe multiple times, Hawaii and all over the country.
In 2013 their first grandchild, Carly Rush was welcomed into the family closely followed by Cooper Rush in 2015, Cora Salomon (2016), Emily Salomon (2018), and Jane Salomon (2019). Jon was closely involved in all of his grandchildren’s lives. Whatever game they wanted to play or story to read, he would engage in their worlds.
Through most of his life, Jon was a fantastic swimmer, active in competitions and active outdoors camping, skiing and boating. Jon was very involved in his community as a member of the school board, Helena PTA and Hawthorne carnival, Helena softball coach, and Gates to the Mountain boat club board member.
Jon is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara Rush, daughter, Christina (Dennis), son, Ben (Michelle), three sisters, Jill, Kathy and Karen, and five grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother and father and elder sister Sue.
The Funeral Mass for Jon will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at the Cathedral of St. Helena at Noon. A Luncheon will be held downstairs following the Mass with the Graveside Committal taking place after the luncheon at Resurrection Cemetery.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even in death. They continue to participate in every act, thought, and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” Leo Buscaglia
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Following the Luncheon
Thursday March 3, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Following the Luncheon
Thursday March 3, 2022
Resurrection Cemetery
3685 N Montana Ave
Helena,
Share
Jeffrey Tiberi says
Jon played basketball at the YMCA for years. You couldn’t leave him alone or he’d pop one into the hoop in a split second. I liked guarding him because we were both getting slower and older. He always had a smile on his face and an optimistic outlook on life. May he Rest In Peace.
Rita A Williams says
My Dear Barbara:
There are no words to give at the death of Jon. He was a Dear and Wonderful Man. Even though my dealings with Jon were short in time, his thoughts and insights were very meaningful.
You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts.
Warm hugs,
Rita A Williams
David Smith says
Jon was a great guy, and many hearts will miss him. I got to know him when he was coaching my daughter’s softball team; the girls loved him and so did I. He was a good neighbor, an asset to the community, and a friend. Seeing him at the Cathedral always lifted my heart.
Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.
David Smith
Tom/Judy Rolfe says
Jon was a man of principle and integrity. We greatly appreciated his conscientious approach to any thing he was involved in. We send our sincere condolences to Barb and the Rush family. Jon was a great guy who will certainly be missed.
Dave Van Nice says
Condolences to the Rush family. I always visited with Jon at the YMCA and shared in his old guy basketball endeavors. He was a good friend and neighbor. RIP Jon!
karen d bjornson says
JON WAS A GOOD FRIEND, MERCIFUL, KIND, COMPASSIONATE AND SOMEONE TO LAUGH AND HAVE GOOD TIMES WITH. WE GREATLY APPRECIATED AND VALUED HIS FRIENDSHIP OVER THE YEARS…HE WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN!
MAY GOD’S LOVE REMAIN IN YOUR HEARTS AND LIVES, DEAREST BARBARA AND FAMILY,
ROY AND KAREN BJORNSON
Colleen Rhode says
Jeff and Colleen Rhode
Farewell to a kind and gentle sole. we enjoyed many hours in his and Barbs company. Playing games, boating down the river or having a picnic and good conversation, May he rest in peace. Our thoughts are with Barb and and Family.
Joy McGrath says
Barb, Ben and Christina,
our condolences to all of you and your families.
Jon will really be missed by his grandchildren who won’t get to play like his own and all in the neighborhood.
Enjoy the memories and the time together with friends and family at this time.
Joy and Mike
Leah Hoffmann says
I remember when we all had Thanksgiving together. Jon had the best laugh. I remember the talks when Jon and Barb went on their walks and would stop to chat. I remember how kind he was when my dad passed way. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this extremely sad time. Many hugs, Leah Hoffmann