Barbara D. Rusch

Barbara Rusch, 87, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, September 9, 2007, at Caretel Inns of Royalton where she resided. A memorial service celebrating Barbara’s life will be held at 2:30 P.M., Thursday, September 20, 2007, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Fr. Thomas Toeller-Novak officiating. Friends may visit with family prior to the service from 1:30 to 2:30 Thursday afternoon at the funeral home. Memorials may be made either to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan or to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Barbara was born October 6, 1919, in St. Louis, MO. She was one of two daughters born to Harold and Marguerite Day. Barbara was confirmed on April 2, 1933 at St. Michaels & St. George’s Church in St. Louis. In February 1942, she married William K. Rusch of Evanston, IL. Together they had two sons, William and Randall. In 1959 they moved to St. Joseph where Mr. Rusch was the Sales Manager of the new Continental Can Co. plant. When they retired, they moved to Florida. After William’s death, Barbara moved back to St. Joseph. Barbara was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in St. Joseph. She was an active in both the Junior League of Chicago and the Service League of St. Joseph. She volunteered for many years at Mercy Hospital in Benton Harbor. Barbara was an avid bridge player. Additionally she enjoyed traveling the world with her husband. Barbara is survived by her sons, William K. (Marjorie) Rusch of Indianapolis, IN and Randall D. (Barbara) Rusch of Whitmore Lake, MI; by her four grandchildren, Katherine (Matt) Belange, Jonathan Rusch, Clayton Rusch, and Brittany Rusch; and by her 4 great-grandchildren, Anna, Chloe, Kylie, and Antonio Rusch. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William; and by her sister, Beverly Harter.