Betty Yvonne Rush

Betty Yvonne Rush, loving known as “Betty Boop” to her close friends and family, transitioned to her heavenly home on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Betty was a lifelong native of Ann Arbor, Michigan and was born November 14, 1939 the only daughter to Jewell W.V. Clemons and Edgar L. Clemons. She was the beloved sister to four brothers; Leroy, Fred, Thomas and Chris Clemons.

Betty graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1957 and married her husband the same year, Johnnie Rush Jr. some years after becoming acquainted at Second Baptist Church. Betty remained a committed and loyal wife for 65 years. As a result of Betty and Johnnie’s union she became the devoted mother to three children, two daughters and one son; Rhonda and Shawn and Johnnie Rush III.

Upon graduating high school, Betty worked as a receptionist and in cafeteria services at St. Joseph Mercy and The University of Michigan Hospitals respectively. She also was employed by the Ann Arbor News for a number of years before establishing her career in the financial services industry.

Betty made history in the Ann Arbor community when became the first person of African American heritage to be hired at The Ann Arbor Federal Saving and Loans in a non janitorial role as a bank teller.

Due to Betty’s strong work ethic, financial aptitude, and diligence she steadily progressed and was promoted into bank management. She served in roles such as branch manager and loan officer prior to her retirement in 1995 . Betty’s industriousness extended beyond her service at the bank as co-owner along with her husband of The Rush’s Barbershop. Their business would become a staple in the greater Washtenaw county community for 60 years. During her retirement, Betty continued to serve the Ann Arbor community as a crossing guard for the Ann Arbor Public Schools for 20 years and finally as a bus monitor for 5 years.

Betty also enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Her pursuits included sewing, knitting, crocheting, playing piano, bowling, and solving puzzles. “Betty’s Brittle” became a coveted treat for many friends and family. Her passion for bowling was expressed through her longtime participation in and recruitment for three bowling leagues including the Ann Arbor Pinstripes team. Throughout her life, Betty was actively involved as a member and Sunday school teacher at Second Baptist Church. She also held membership in the National Association of Professional Women for several years.

Betty will be cherished and remembered as a woman of great tenacity, high moral character, the best friend to many. She was a loyal and loving caregiver and servant to her immediate and extended family. Betty leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships, service and faith to all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her husband, Johnnie Rush Jr; her daughter Rhonda Rush Frazier (Joseph) of North Carolina; her daughter Shawn Marsh of North Carolina; her son Johnnie Rush III of Michigan; her granddaughters Jordan Frazier, Reagan Frazier, Kennedy Marsh and her grandson, Kristopher Marsh, and brothers Thomas and Chris Clemons and a host of close friends and family.

Betty was preceded in death by her father Edgar L. Clemons, her mother Jewell Clemons and brothers, Leroy and Fred Clemons.

The Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM, 850 Red Oak Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104. A visitation for Betty will be held Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Second Baptist Church, 850 Red Oak Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104.Betty will be laid to rest in United Memorial Gardens, 4800 Curtis Rd, Plymouth, Michigan 48170-5130.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Betty's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/donate.Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.muehligannarbor.com for the Rush family.