Carol Rush Funeral

Good evening. On behalf of all the family, thank you for being here today to celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Carol Rush. A woman who lived life to the fullest to the every end. A woman profoundly shaped by the love of Jesus. A kind woman who leaves us with a lasting legacy of love and perseverance. Today as we remember and we grieve, but we do not grieve without hope we think of this picture of heaven that is painted in revelation....

Rev

The New International Version Chapter 21

Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ u or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!”

Pray

Carol Ann (Boyer) Rush, went home to Jesus on Monday, January 20, 2025. She was 77.

She was born October 16, 1947, the daughter of Herman Boyer and Ava (Smith) Middlekauff.

She loved growing up here in Peru with her mother Ava and her larger extended family. She was blessed with many cousins who felt like siblings.

Growing up Carol had a love for life and music she played the clarinet and piano.

After graduating from Peru, she would had off to Lafayette to Purdue University! Carol was a forever proud boilermaker! It is the reason many of you are wearing black and gold today…and that this Michigan State loving pastor is wearing this ugly tie. While there she made many great friends including her roommate who was on the first women basketball team at Purdue. She also had the interesting connection of having the same door room the famous aviator and hide n seek enthusiast Amelia Earnhart had. She even saw them play and win the rose bowl.

After her time at Purdue Carol became her career that was really more of a calling. Carol would end up teaching elementary school for 42 in Layfette for a couple years and then Peru after. She loved her students and in particular she had a great such of joy in helping young kids begin to learn how to read. In fact its wild to think about the thousand of people whom Carol gave the gift of literacy to while she lived out her calling as a teacher. As a teacher she loved to be creative and make learning fun. I heard in particular long before it became as big because of the movie, she loved the book the polar express, and each year would turn her classroom into the polar express…hot chocolate and all….and bells for those who believed.

In many ways Carol was content being a strong independent woman, she didn’t need a man. But then there was “How the other half loved” it was a production at Ole Olson civic theater in Peru. Carol was asked by a friend to be the prop manager for the production and little did she know that she was about to meet Dan “the handsome stage manager” Rush and her life would change forever. Though it took a bit of convincing Dan and his good looks couldnt be denied. The two would date for less than a year before they got married on August 19, 1978. Together the two would spend 46 years of happiness together. Dan said he believes things went so well because their shared values, joy of being with on-another, and their mutual faith in Jesus. Together they loved to be invovled in their church First Baptist of Peru, local organizations, Peru sports, Purdue sports, and their kids and grandkids many actvities. Dan I know that Carol loved you….for a woman not needing a man to choose you…means she loved you. And I know you loved her well.

Carol was born to be a Mom! Blessed with the gifts of Gretchen and Nick, Carol thrived in this role! She was a fun mom who deeply cared about her kids and their friends. A mom who was honest to a fault but always willing to be silly and make her kids laugh. I want to read the words of Gretchen and Nick who beautifully capture Carol.

Nick Said this…

My mom was someone that I could always count on.   It was almost like she knew what I needed before I did.   She never let me down.   She never missed a game, competition, concert, ceremony or any other event in my life.   She was always available to listen to any win, loss, complaint or excitement that I had going on in my life.

I was her only biological son, but I knew that my friends and I were all just like her own children.   None of us were allowed to go to bed or leave the house hungry.   If you didn't have clothing she would get it for you.   Anyone that needed supplies for school could count on her to bring it in.   She always gave and never asked for anything.   Less than a week ago she was concerned about what I wanted for my birthday.

She made sure that wherever we were traveling that we got there safely.    If there was a storm in Norway, she'd message to make sure I wasn't there.   If Purdue was playing terribly, she would make sure that I understood her level of disappointment.

I could go on and on about examples of what she did that I'll never forget.   She still leaves me with one mystery that will never be explained.    How the heck did she know I had a mohawk and get black lipstick, chains and spiked hair before I showed up at her school no more than 12 hours after the new hair do?

Carol was a lot of things, but what she was the most to me was Mom.   Simply reliable and never wavering in her love for me.

Gretchen said this….

Proverbs 31:26-29, 31

“When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Mom loved, gave and served others above herself always, constantly modeling and teaching us how important faith in Jesus is. I am so grateful we will see her again and she is free from cancer and living in a healed body with our Savior.

For us as kids, she was at every sporting event, music performance or anything we were in. Every Sunday, we sat in the same pew at First Baptist with her, dad and our grandparents. Our house was a hangout, welcoming everyone to play games, relax, share life and raid the pantry. You didn’t walk in the door without playing with our dogs, feeling loved and having a snack or meal. Thanksgiving was a full house of people who may have nowhere else to go, and she was always using her teaching background to encourage reading and learning.

She was a straight talker, never mincing words, and you never had to worry about where she stood or what she meant, often just giving the Mom side-eye. Mom loved to have fun. Constantly ribbing others, sarcasm was king.

Angie Jackson, one of two friends I’ve known since we were born, made me laugh and said this week, “Her face had no filter. I'll never forget her not liking anyone to chomp on ice or gum. I'm pretty sure she didn't like blowing bubbles with gum either. And she didn't like perfume. But she was one of the loudest at the games! She was so enthusiastic and involved.”

Angie and I and mom and I would still randomly text each other, “Your trunk is open,” referring to a hilarious incident on July 4 when we were driving her home and our car trunk is open. Mom’s driving, the person next to us yells, “Your trunk is open,” to dad. His response: “Pardon?” Repeat: “Your trunk is open.” Dad: “The fireworks were great. They are already over.” Repeat: “Your trunk is open.” After a few exchanges, we finally figured out what they were saying, pulled over and closed the trunk, but we laughed and laughed.

Even when we messed up big time, she was there. I mistakenly lost my class ring on the football field during track pictures. She had a whole crew with flash lights and metal detectors out searching for it until we found it.

My favorite to this day is when she found out Nick planned to arrive in Peru with a mohawk. He showed up at her school, and she was decked out in black clothes with chains, gel in her spiked hair and a hilarious grin on her face. We still don’t know to this day how she found out.

Countless friends messaged with memories of how she loved them, how she made them laugh and prayed for them. She taught us to love others, cheer for our teams, slipped us money to help and had eyes everywhere around town so we were too scared to attempt to break the rules. If I held a boy’s hand, she knew before I got home.

Through it all, I never wondered whether someone would be there to support me even until her last day. Growing up we usually we had a whole row of parents and grandparents at every event. And she always was cheering on her grandkids in all of their events.

She also loved to encourage our daughters with Kenzie’s favorite verse, and she would do the same for all of you. Joshua 1:9says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Her most treasured moments were that she got to see all four of her granddaughters baptized and choose Jesus as their Savior.

We will miss you and mourn you until we meet again, and I will want to call or text every day, but your life will allow us to be strong and courageous as we know God is with us in these difficult times. In Jesus’ words from Matthew 25:23, “Well done good and faithful servant.”

Carol loved her kids and I know she loved her kids spouses as well, Jess and Jason.

Arguably Carols greatest joy in life besides Jesus, was her granddaughters! Hayli, Addi , Kenzie and Annie. You were the pride and joy of your grandma! I know she loved to be at your parties, events, and just in general spend time with you! She thought of you often. Would sacrifice for you however she could. And would pray for you fervently! One of her greatest joys was getting to see all her grandaughters coming to know Jesus and choosing to get baptized. One of her granddaughters, Hayli is now going to share.

To know my grandma was to love her. And if you didn’t, well, she didn’t really care. When writing this letter, I couldn’t decide how to start. Do I write this to tell you all how amazing she was, or do I take this chance to talk directly to my grandma? After thinking about it, I realized that every single one of you already knows how amazing she is. That’s exactly why you’re all here today. So, I decided to write to my Grammy instead.

Hi Grandma,

It’s Hayli. This past week has been one of the hardest weeks of my life. I never realized how much I took for granted—the random text messages, the unexpected calls, and even the smallest moments we shared. Grandpa scared the crap out of me the other day when he commented on my post using your account, but I chose to see it as a little hello from you.

Yesterday, as I was driving to meet with Pastor Aaron and our family to talk about you, I passed a semitruck that had the words “Never give up. One love. One life. God is good.” It felt like another little hello from you, reminding me of your love and faith.

Grandma, these signs from you make me cherish our memories even more. They remind me of the countless moments we shared—moments filled with laughter, warmth, and love.

You never failed to make me feel loved. Growing up, I didn’t realize how much you loved me and took me in. But as I’ve gotten older and had time to reflect, I’ve come to realize that you have loved me like your own grandchild from the minute you met me. You could’ve easily treated me differently or seen me as separate from your other grandchildren, but you never did. Not once. I was always your first grandkid. You took pride in being my grandma. You made me feel at home. Whether it was a simple conversation or the way you always made me feel like the most important person in the world, you have given me memories I’ll hold onto forever.

To put it simply, you put everyone above yourself. If I needed anything, you would drop everything and be there for me. Even in your last few years, if you couldn’t be there physically, you found a way to make me feel supported. I could’ve been the worst kid in the world, and I know you would’ve still bragged about me and stood proudly by my side. And that’s why you are the greatest grandma I will ever have. Nobody will ever be able to top the love you had for me.

Thinking about my favorite moments with you is hard—we had so many. Like that one time I almost set your house on fire because I stuck something in the toaster I wasn’t supposed to, and the fire department showed up. Of course, we just sat in the van, and you giggled. Or every morning before school, when mom would drop me off at your house, and we’d watch PBS Kids in the living room while Grandpa made me butter and jelly toast. Oh, and of course, the dreaded age when I refused to wear socks with any of my shoes, and I would come to your classroom after school and stink up your whole room because of how bad my feet smelled. Oh yes, and how I’d go to your hair appointments with you, and you’d always sneak me money so I could get ice cream while you were getting your hair done.

Needless to say, there was never a dull moment between us. We just got each other. I might not have known it then, but from the minute I met you, you were making a long-lasting impact on my life. I love you, Grandma forever and always. I hope your seat for the Purdue game today is awesome—I mean, how could it not be? You’re in freaking heaven.

So, Grandma, this isn’t goodbye—it’s “see you later.” Until then, I’ll carry your love, your laughter, and your light with me every step of the way. And please keep sending me little hellos until then, because as you know I’m a super impatient person.

-Hayli

Beautiful words Hayli, your grandma would be proud.

I knew Carol from seeing her at different church events because I am Nick’s pastor and Addi and my son gideon went to the same daycare for a season and I would see carol when she was helping to transport Addi….Carol was one of those people you met and you just felt better after interacting with her. You know Jesus said his followers would be know by their love….and thats how I think Carol will forever been known.

For carol faith was more than just words…it was action….even in the last year as she was homebound…her faith compelled her to lead her church’s nursing home ministry by doing things like sending care packages. Love always leads to action, and that was what carol did.

From a friend Valerie:

I wanted to tell all of you something because I wasn’t sure I would be able to get the words out tomorrow when I see each of you. Carol’s friendship meant so much to me. We met when Elise first started at Blair Pointe. Then, when this big football player named Adam Michalek started dating Elise, he brought along a best friend named Nick. So Carol and I bonded over the crazy guys that had entered my family’s life. Here’s the big part though.

When Carly was diagnosed with the brain tumor at 13, Carol became one of Carly’s biggest prayer warriors. She would call or text me almost daily just to check in. Envelopes would show up with food, gas or grocery cards. More than anything I just have always remembered the prayers. She told me that every night as she let Oscar out to go to the bathroom she would stand outside and just talk to God about Carly and just pray. There were so many dark days for our family back then, but I always knew she was there lifting us up in prayer and even today looking back I honestly can’t convey to all of you what that meant to this mom.

Now, it’s Carly and my turn to lift all of you up in prayer and we will continue to do that in the coming days. I just felt led to share with you how much your wife and mom meant to us. Love and hugs

Part of today is allowing ourselves to be honest with God about grief, frustrations, and even anger. the really great news is that He is not afraid of the feelings we have. In fact in the midst of our pain He gives us the gift of His presence and understanding.

PSalm

The New International Version Psalm 34

18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Matthew

The New International Version Chapter 5

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

I believe that with my whole heart. That grief is a journey. One we wouldn't choose and will not like, but we can take comfort in the fact that you don’t face it alone.

Philippians

The New International Version Chapter 4

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Jesus said

The New International Version Chapter 14

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

I believe that one of the greatest desires God has for you today, that you would find peace. That you would find peace in this world and that you would be with Him in the next.

Because today we do not want to grieve without hope. Paul said these

Romans

The New International Version Chapter 8

38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s love will always be chasing us and there for us. Every single one of us.

John

The New International Version Chapter 14

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4

“Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

John‬ ‭14:1-3‬ ‭,6

Again this is for all people. This is a generous love. And its a love that casts out all fear.

John 3:16-17

The New International Version Chapter 3

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Again Jesus came into this world to save you and me, So we could have a better present and an ultimate future with Him, like Bob.

God desires that all his children would come home....that they would trust in him

John

The New International Version Chapter 11

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

No matter who you are and where you come from you are invited to experience this new life in Jesus.

“Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭16:22‬ ‭

Today I take comfort and have joy thinking about how Carol is in heaven…she has been made new…free of pain, suffering, and worry. The invitation is for all of us to surrender to Jesus so that we too may one day experience joy everlasting with Jesus for eternity.

While I am sure with Purdue playing latter she probably is trying to get people to sing Hail Purdue…I think she would also love this song I want you to hear because she is in the number and her great desire is that you would choose Jesus and you too would be in that number.

As we close…hear these words of comfort from the 23rd psalm

New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update Psalm 23

A Psalm of David.

1 The LORD is my shepherd,

I shall not want.

2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside cquiet waters.

3 He restores my soul;

He guides me in the cpaths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You have anointed my head with oil;

My cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,

And I will bdwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Friends, Carol is whole once more. And she is at rest with Jesus. And she has heard the words....well done, good and faithful servant.

Lets Pray