William Rushby Obituary

William Fredrick Rushby September 1, 1941-November 24, 2024
William "Bill" Fredrick Rushby, 83, of Crown Point, New York passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024 during a short stay at Elderwood At Ticonderoga, New York. Bill was formerly a resident of Blue Grass, Virginia. He was born September 1, 1941 in Chever, New York, a son of the late Walter and Mary Jane (Balmer) Rushby. Mr. Rushby attended Albany State University and Michigan State University, where he graduated with a major in sociology. He also attended McGill University, in Montreal for a summer session. Bill taught at Central Michigan University, Manchester College, and Eastern Mennonite University. For a short period of time Bill came back home when our Dad had two strokes and taught at Crown Point Central School, and Port Henry High School, to be at the family homestead for support. On November 25, 1978, Bill married the love of his life the widowed Darlene Osborn. Eventually, Bill and Darlene along with Jonathan and David, moved to Highland County, Virginia where he took the position of Postmaster of the Blue Grass Post Office. They purchased a farm in the beautiful Blue Grass Valley where they raised beef cattle, haflinger horses, sheep, goats and chickens. Bill loved academics and had a passion for writing scholarly essays with a special interest in the anabaptist. Many of his essays were published in several publications. He enjoyed collecting books for research. He kept the family on their toes with correct grammar! We've all learned to say that "we're doing well", instead of "we're doing good"! In a gathering often Bill's laughter could be heard resonating throughout the room. He loved little children and their antics! Nothing pleased him more than being in the midst of an impromptu tea party complete with snacks and orange juice with his great nieces and great nephews! The children loved him. He enjoyed reading to them and sometimes read until his voice was hoarse. A favorite pastime while they were visiting his farm was watching his chickens and tending to his cherry tomato plants that were as high as the house! Bill and Darlene were of the Orthodox Quaker faith. While they lived in Highland County they attended the McDowell Mennonite Church and had many close friends there.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Darlene (Cope) Osborn Rushby, and son, David Stephen Rushby, He was preceded in death by a brother John Rushby (Patricia) their children are: Kristine (Colin)Hewko their daughter is Phoenix, Joe (Alyssa) Rushby their children: James and Alana. He is survived by a brother Walter Rushby (Dorothy) their children Tina O'Hanlon, her children Kaleigh(Nate) Galusha their son Owen and Brian, (Kylee) O'Hanlon their children: Patrick and Declan, Walter Rushby Jr. (Lisa Child) Walt's daughter: Cassidy, Tom (Michelle) Rushby their children Megan and Jeremy, Jeff (Linda) Rushby, Charlie (deceased) Rushby his daughter: Cloe. Bill has two sisters : Ruth Rushby and Judy McLaughlin (Dean). He is survived by their children Nephew: Dean Seth McLaughlin (Katie) their children: Matthew, Justin (deceased),Juliana, Nephew: Mark Levi McLaughlin (Yvonne) their children Jalisa, Rachelle, and Marcus. Nephew: Andrew McLaughlin (Judeya) their children : Zack, Maddie, Lila, Jason and Daisy. He is survived by Niece: Ruth Visser (Mark) their children: Lydia, Isaac, Ezekiel, Jedidiah, Jacob, Ellie, Esther, Emmie, Mollie, Rebecca. Niece: Charity Iocco (Stephen) their children Jesse, Hadassah, Silas, and Addie. Niece: Hannah Kravitz (Zael) their children: Zyanya, Abel, Josie, Forrest, and Elsie. Bill was predeceased by Darlene's son Douglas Osborn. He is survived by Darlene's children: Justin Osborn (Susanne), Janene Good (Gerald), Carla, Jonathan Osborn (Lindsey) and their children James and Emily Osborn.
A viewing and funeral service will be conducted in Virginia at the McDowell Mennonite Church, Saturday, November 30, 2024. The viewing will be at 1:00 PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Internment will be at the McDowell Mennonite Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Dean Seth McLaughlin, Mark Levi McLaughlin, Andrew Steven McLaughlin, Zael Kravitz, Stephen Iocco, Jonathan Osborn, Gerald Good, Micheal Shell. A meal will follow the graveside service