Virginia S. "Suzi" Harper Bush

Virginia Sue (Suzi) Harper Bush passed away peacefully on January 14, 2012. Born July 9, 1930 in Kansas City, MO, Suzi moved to Johnson County in 1939 and attended Roesland Grade School and Shawnee Mission (North) High School. She then attended Baker University, but during her sophomore year, Zeta Tau Alpha sorority sent her to colonize a chapter on the University of Florida. Returning to Kansas City in 1952, she married F. Richard Bush, who became her husband of 58 years.

From 1964-65, Suzi served as President of the Panhellenic Association of Greater Kansas City and then volunteered on the ZTA’s national housing board for ten years. In 1985, she received her honor ring from Zeta for her good work.

In 1967, Suzi and her family moved to a farm near Paola, KS. She served on the Board of Education for USD #368 and as a Deacon for First Presbyterian Church. She went on to own and operate three children’s clothing stores: Just Kids (in Olathe and Fairway, KS) and Tot Togs (in Kansas City North). Returning to Mission Woods, KS in 1983, Suzi re-joined Village Presbyterian Church. Her volunteer work included serving as a member of the Lyric Opera League and serving for twenty years on the Symphony Women’s Association Board of Directors. Suzi co-chaired their vintage fashion shows for 19 years.

Suzi lit up the room with her smile, her impeccable sense of style, and her enthusiasm for the next item on her “to-do” list. A natural leader, she was loved and admired by her employees, her fellow volunteers, and anyone swept up in the whirlwind of her latest activity. Her family remembers her passion for games, oil painting, antiques, music, home decorating, and any opportunity to give (and receive) presents! Though she battled against pulmonary and lung disease her entire life, her health setbacks never stopped her from attending a child or grandchild’s event, and she constantly reminded them that they were the “most talented” or the “best looking” kids on stage. Suzi had an inner strength and a twinkle in her eye that let you know that whatever task was at hand should be tackled with zeal, passion, and gratitude. She leaves behind an army of friends and family who will always remember her with a smile on their face.

Suzi’s immediate family include her three children: Rick Bush of Mission Woods, Randy (Beth) Bush of Pittsburgh, PA, and Amy (Jim) Cramer of Prairie Village; and grandchildren Ali (Pat) Fleming; Cameron, Tommy, and Abby Cramer; and Ian and Charlotte Bush. Her parents and husband, Richard, preceded her in death.

Please join in celebrating Suzi’s life during a time of visitation, Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 4 – 6 pm (Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, KCMO), and a memorial service at 11:00 am on Monday, January 23, 2012 at Village Presbyterian Church 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts may be made to the Kansas City Symphony Women’s Assoc. or Village Presbyterian Church. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.