Jon Rush

On the evening of Friday, April 10, 2026, Jon Rush, 84, took his last breath with his “sweet Bertie” by his side. Jon was born on September 24, 1941 in Wichita, Kansas to Clyde and Matha (Williams) Rush.

When people think of Jon, what usually springs to mind is sweetness. He inevitably had a sparkle in his eye and a sweet smile that reflected his inner world where a happy, easy-going fellow with a positive attitude lived. 

Retiring from the US Postal Service at age 55 allowed him opportunities to travel with Bertie and friends all around the United States and Mexico. When his grandson Nick was young, Jon and Bertie took him to places like Disney World, Santa Fe, New Mexico (by way of train!) and the St. Louis Arch. For several years, he enjoyed doing 5K and distance races and frequently signed up for races in places where friends lived so there was a handy excuse to visit people he loved.

While it was difficult to anger Jon, it was not impossible. He got fired up when injustice was served to those who had the odds stacked against them or who struggled against unfair systems. This anger was channeled into service by finding ways to help those around him. It was also reflected in the way he walked through his life. He had a welcoming spirit to all who he encountered and a willingness to learn about folks who were different from him.

Jon had a resolute iron will. Whether it was giving up beer, smoking, sweets or coffee, it was done. Just done. At one point, he was given a Fit Bit which prompted him to start “gettin’ in his steps.” Taking 10,000 steps per day easily became part of his lifestyle and he usually checked it off his to-do list before 8:00 a.m. He would gladly tell you about how he had done this consecutively for over 800 days!

Jon had a deep love of music, and it was one of his favorite ways of connecting to people. He appreciated nearly every genre that existed. Listening daily, Jon had music in his ears when he was “gettin’ in his steps” and as he cultivated his scores of Spotify playlists. It was fun to share a song or soundtrack with him or to ask him if he’d heard of a new artist (which he usually had!).

Jon Rush lived a life of continual, unceasing gratitude. He was aware of the good in his life and, by constantly looking for his good, he amplified it thereby giving him more to be thankful for. Not only did this model a positive way of being to others, it naturally drew people to him because he was a good guy.

Jon’s life was forever changed when he met Bertie. He would be the first to tell you that all his good began as their relationship grew. According to him, she was the fountain from which his gratitude flowed. You can’t know his story without knowing their story.

For fifty years, Jon and Bertie participated in life together. They were not observers on the sidelines afraid to jump in. Rather, they engaged in activities and invested in relationships with people, animals, and organizations. They volunteered together. They learned together. They grew as beautiful human beings together.

True to the way they lived, Bertie came out of retirement to care for Jon with the healing hands only a nurse can provide and together they showed the rest of us what true love and dedication looks like to the very end. 

It was a good ride, buddy…a good, good ride.

He is preceded in death by parents, Clyde and Matha Rush; two brothers and three sisters; daughter, Bonita Pappan. 

Jon is survived by his wife, Bertie Rush; daughter, Sonya Nelson (Michael); son, Jon Jr. Rush (Cathi); son, Kirk Pappan (Loretta); son, Randy Rush (Heather); granddaughter, Kelli Uhde (Joe); granddaughter, Jill Smith; granddaughter, Stacie Wert (Nick); grandson, Nick Rush (Jennie); grandson, Brook Pappan; sister Teresa Fitterer (Clem) as well as nine great-grandchildren (plus another on the way!).

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life will be held on June 20, 2026 in South Haven, KS. Please contact the family by emailing jonknowsmusic@gmail.com.

Memorials may be made to the Wellington Humane Society and sent in care of the mortuary.