Bernita L. Bush, 97, of Morrison, IL, entered eternal life on December 2, 2021, at Windsor Manor Assisted Living Community in Morrison, with family members beside her.
Bernita Lena Schumacher Bush was born to George and Louisa (Kahler) Schumacher on August 12, 1924. She grew up on their farm north of Morrison. Bernita attended West Clyde School for eight years, then continued on to graduate from Morrison High School in 1942.
Bernita married Robert William Bush on September 25, 1942; they were married for 50 years. Most of their lives together were spent farming north of Morrison where they raised three children. Bernita remained on the farm after Bob’s death in 1993. She later had a loving farm companion, Ed Dittmar, for 15 years.
Bernita was a life-long member of Bethesda Lutheran Church, being baptized there in May 1926. Until recent years she was especially active with the church quilters, whose quilts were donated worldwide. Besides being a farm wife, she also worked locally at the National Tea grocery store for 19 years. At the farm, Bernita enjoyed her flowers, daylilies, and hostas. She also liked to ride the lawn mower and wouldn’t let anyone help her with this task until her 90s. When sweet corn was ready, Bernita was the first one to gather all the pans to organize the day’s work. Bernita loved playing cards with her friends, especially pinochle and euchre. She also enjoyed fishing, bird watching, and traveling whenever given the opportunity.
She is the mother of three children, Larry Bush of Morrison, Carol Stadler-Brandt (H. Gary Snipes) of Manning, SC, and Rodney Bush of Morrison.
Bernita has five grandchildren, Dawn Bush, Jonathon (Rhonda) Bush, Lori (Tim) Matlack, Bradley Bush, and Amy (Kevin) Kerley; four great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; four step-great-great-grandchildren.
Of her Schumacher family, she is survived by brother, Allen (Elaine) Schumacher of Peoria, IL; brother-in-law, Marvin Geerts.
Bernita was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Robert; brother, Wilmer Schumacher; sister, Ila Jean Geerts; one grandchild, Robin Bush; sons-in-law, George Stadler and David Brandt; daughters-in-law, Ruth Bush and Pam Bush.
A heartfelt Thank You goes to her granddaughter, Dawn, who was her special caretaker for the past several years.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Morrison, IL.
A Visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m., preceding the service.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to Bethesda Lutheran Church.