BLUE GRASS, VA. — Darlene Osborn Rushby, 75, of Blue Grass, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013 at her residence. She was born Dec. 6, 1937 at Mapleside near Paullina, Iowa, a daughter of the late Darlington and Elba Mabel (Hinshaw) Cope.
Mrs. Rushby received her teaching certificate at Northern Iowa University, and worked as an elementary teacher in Iowa and Kansas schools. For several years she also helped to operate her first husbands veterinary clinic at Hillsboro Kan. After moving to Highland County, Va., she served as a nurse at Pendleton Nursing Home at Franklin WV. Following retirement, she worked as the librarian at the Blue Grass Book Bank.
Mrs. Rushby was a lifelong adherent of the Orthodox Quaker faith. For the past ten years she and husband, Bill found spiritual nurture and Christian fellowship in the McDowell Mennonite Church. Mrs. Rushby will be remembered by her family and friends as a loving wife, mother and gifted poet.
She was preceded in death by her first husband, James E. Osborn on October 3, 1977 and two sons, Douglas Osborn and David Rushby.
She is survived by her husband, William F. Rushby, whom she married on November 25, 1978; two daughters, Janene Good and husband Gerald of Harrisonburg, and Clarie Smith of Gun Barrel City, Texas; two sons, Justin Osborn and wife Susanne of Seattle, Wash., and Jonathan Osborn and wife Lindsey of Virginia Beach, Va.; three grandchildren, Danielle Smith, James and Emily Osborn; her sister, Lyn Cope of Melbourne Beach, Fla.; and her brother, Lowell Cope of Lincoln, Nebraska.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the McDowell Mennonite Church in the Stonewall Ruritan Club Building in McDowell, with Pastor Steve Good, Pastor Clair Heatwole, Rev. Andre Crummett, speakers, Dr. Daniel Freed and Bradley Heatwole officiating. Burial will follow at the McDowell Mennonite Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Allen and Gerald Good, Michael and Joseph Shell, Brad Rosedale and David Schrock.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In addition to the visitation, friends are encouraged to join the family in a meal of fellowship at the Stonewall Ruritan Building following the committal service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society, c/o Norma Reynolds, 3052 Mill Gap Road, Monterey, VA 24465.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at Obaughfuneralhome.com
