Elizabeth Ann Brush

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Bash Brush died peacefully on November 3, 2015 at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge. She was born on June 13, 1926, the youngest child of the late Francis Edwin Bash and Barbara Cecelia Bash. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, F. Raymond Brush and by her four older siblings. She is survived by her children, Richard Brush of Kensington, MD; Carolyn Gilliom and her husband John, of Charlottesville, VA; Cynthia Ritter and her husband Steve, of Lawrenceville, GA; Anne Bussiere and her husband, Dave, of Virginia Beach, VA; and Christopher Brush of Gaithersburg, MD. She is also survived by grandchildren: Nikki Brush, Teri Brush, Mary Johnston, Steven Ritter, Aaron Ritter, Jeremy Ritter, Ryan Bussiere, Sean Bussiere, and Laura Bussiere. She graduated from high school in Morristown, NJ and from Michigan State College (now Michigan State University) in 1948. She met Ray while in college and they married three days before her graduation. They later moved from Michigan to Alexandria, VA where they lived until their retirement to Madison County. Betty enjoyed people and was quick with a smile for all. During their many years together Ray and Betty traveled extensively visiting gardens and nurseries. She loved to sing and was always a member of her local church choir. Additionally, she sang with and served on the board of the Madison County Choral Society. Betty enjoyed a good meal, especially when followed with dessert! Her last years were lived at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge, where she made friends with residents and staff alike. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to the Madison County Choral Society, P.O. Box 802, Madison, VA 22727 or to the music fund of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1500 East Rio Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22901 (please note Music Fund in memo). A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on December 29, 2015 at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville.