Rilda Frances Bush

Rilda Frances Bush, 80 of Tanner, WV; departed this earthly life in the mid-morning hours of Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at the Genesis Health Care, Glenville Center with her loving daughters and family by her side.

She was born July 22, 1942 in Grantsville, WV; daughter of the late Erma and Violet (Gill) Richards.

Rilda grew up in Calhoun County being the oldest of 7 children. She was a homemaker her whole life, a Baptist by faith, and loved caring for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In her spare time, Rilda enjoyed spending time with family and friends, spoiling her grandkids whenever possible, working puzzle books, gardening, and watching hummingbirds at her feeders.

On June 24, 1961 Rilda was united in marriage to James Donley Bush, who preceded her in death on February 10, 1979.

Rilda is survived by her sons and daughters, Mayford and Robert Bush of Tanner, Sheryl Bush of Ritchie County, Sharon (Daniel) Shroyer in Fairmont, and  Lisa K Smarr of Glenville,  6 grandchildren, James (Erica) Kirby, Christy (Jeremy) Lane, Kenneth Smarr, Tiffany (James) Jenkins, Dakota (Marissa) Shroyer and Tabi Hollandsworth, and 13 great-grandchildren. 

Also surviving are 4 siblings, Loretta Grimm of Ritchie County, Phyllis Hoffman of Charleston, WV, Charlene Richards and Charles Richards of Calhoun Co., a brother-in-law, Donald (Karen) Bush and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins that she loved very much and enjoyed visiting with anytime she could. 

Along with her husband and parents, Rilda is preceded in death by her son, Arlie W. Bush, a sister, Linda McWilliams, a brother, Kenneth Richards, son-in-law, Gary Wayne Smarr, and granddaughter-in-law, Cecilia “Nicole” Jackson Smarr.

A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 1:00 PM; Saturday, May 27, 2023 with Pastor Dwight Goff officiating. Burial will follow in the Nobe Cemetery in Calhoun County. Friends will be received from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Saturday at the mortuary in Glenville.

Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Rilda Frances Bush with Burial arrangements.