Funeral services for Ruth Marlene Dunn Rushing will be 11 a.m. Friday, January 12, at Johnson Grove Church of Christ with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m., Thursday, January 11, at the church and will resume Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Mrs. Rushing, 90, of Bogue Chitto, passed from this life January 9, 2024, in Brookhaven, MS. She was born in Bogue Chitto, December 24, 1933, to Charles Andrew Dunn and Eula Redd Dunn.

Marlene was born and raised in the Johnson Grove community in Lincoln County where she would live most of her 90 years. She graduated from West Lincoln High School in 1952. Her early adult life was a time of many trials. She once described this time as a “stepping stone of learning.” She worked at Stahl-Urban for nearly 17 years where she acquired many lasting friendships. Working full time and raising 3 children seemed overwhelming, but her dependence on God and the help of her loving mother, who cared for her children, made it possible for over 10 years.

She married Allen Rushing, and his three boys, in 1972. Next to God, her family was the focus of her life. She and Allen together had 6 children and bonded their family as one. The word “step” was never used and in Marlene’s heart did not exist.

Providing good memorable times for their children and grandchildren. Marlene continued that family atmosphere after Allen died in 2010. She was motivated by a deep love for every family member and that love spilled over to her church and community.

Cleaning the church, taking care of communion and handling a portion of the church bulletin helped her grow deep relationships with her church family.

She was famous for a community favorite, those chocolate pies. In addition, reading, quilting, and writing poems, short stories and articles, were her passions. She especially enjoyed writing community news for the newspaper.

She valued friendships and loved butterflies. If you ever wanted to lift her spirits, you could give her something with a butterfly on it and it brightened her day.

Sunsets, quite walks, and spending time with her Lord were paramount to her insights on life.

An ordinary person with an extraordinary heart, she lived a Christian example to all who knew her, yet giving God all the glory.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Allen O. Rushing; her parents; grandson, Scott Johnston; and a special sister-in-law, Edna Brown.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Jordan (Carlos), Kathi Easley (Roger), Scotty Johnston (Sondra), Darrell Rushing (Janis), Darrin Rushing (Joanie), and Doyle Rushing; 13 grandchildren, Chad Jordan (Amber), Dustin Jordan (Alison), Rod Easley, Corey Easley (Virginia), Keri Todd (Jarrett), Amber Haralson (John), Josh Rushing (Jillian), Blake Rushing, Karlee Gilbert (David), Kayla Beth Reno (Josh), Maggie Rushing, Brett Rushing (Jessica), and Erin Smithers (Bo); and 25 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a special nephew, Maxie Brown; special nieces, Judy Hinton, Janice Thomas, and Donna Morgan Guy; and a special friend, Paulette Thomas; as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.