Theola Rush

I could talk about my mother for years and never fully express just how much she’s meant to us and how amazing she was. I could tell you about her 40 plus years at Lac+Usc County Hospital. All the people she’s helped and the lives she’s helped to save. Even outside of the hospital. The number of people she’s touched and encouraged is incredible. For this though I’d like to share some of who she was. To know Theola is to love her. Maybe because to know her, is to be loved. This was most evident with her family but easily held true in all her relationships. You couldn’t spend time with her not feel it. Whether it was soft love or hard love. From her expressions to her words, to her hugs. She always made you feel like you mattered. Even in confrontation, you always knew she wanted the best for you. At every gathering, Theola was always the main attraction. It might be your friend, but they were always there to see her. Then come to find she would keep in touch with them to make sure they were always ok. That’s just who she was. All heart. Often expressed as a quote and/or a song. Lord knows she had a song for every situation, lol.

Theola just had this way about her. One moment she could make you sooo mad and then poke so many holes in your anger that you couldn’t help but laugh. She could take all your sorrow, the pieces of your broken heart and fashion them back into hope and a willingness to try again. You could bring her your fears and sorrows and she would exchange them for courage and joy. Even apathy would find its resolve and become inspiration with just a little bit of time with her. It’s not to say she wasn’t human. She’d cry. But never allowed you to feel the weight of her tears. She’d become frustrated, and yet never leave you to sort through your mistakes alone. Even in anger, she’d never venture too far from a smile.

Maybe that’s what made her so special. Theola wasn’t perfect. Just authentic. Genuine.

Irreplaceable. Everything we all needed in our lives growing up... and since she could always be

heard singing…Always, I think it’s appropriate to end with the lyrics of a song:

Oh, before they turn off all the lights

I won’t read you your wrongs or your rights

The time has gone

I’ll tell you goodnight, close the door

Tell you I love you once more

The time has gone, so here it is

I’m not your son, you’re not my mother

We’re just two grown-ups saying goodbye

No need to forgive, no need to forget

I know your mistakes and you know mine

And while you’re sleeping, I’ll try to make you proud

So, mama, won’t you just close your eyes?

Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn

To chase the monsters away

Theola Rush departed this life on March 26, 2025 in Los Angeles, Ca and leaves to cherish her memory 1 Daughter Marcie Lynn Ragland, 2 Sons Hubert Earl Rush Jr. and Julian Rush all of Los Angeles, Ca. 1 Brother Robert Evans Cruthird of Hinesville, Ga and 1 Sister Odessa Mae Cruthird of Los Angeles, Ca. 7 Grandchildren Jonnique Marchee Rush Cassandra Ashley Rush, Thomas Kalyn Flores, Steven Leon Ragland Jr, London Lagail Edith Ragland, Amira Theola Rush, Christian Rush, and Aliza Rush, all of Los Angeles, Ca. and 3 Great Grandchildren, Thomas Kalyn Flores II Ernias Theory Flores, and Harper Anahis Flores, all of Los Angeles, Ca.

She is preceded in Death by her husband Hubert Earl Rush Sr. Parents Havey Lee Cruthird and Edith Leona Cruthird. 4 Brothers Harvey Lee Cruthird, Edward Thomas Cruthird, Richard Eugene Cruthird and James Arthur Cruthird. 4 Sisters Lenora Cruthird, Margaret Alice Cruthird, Bertie Ann Cruthird, and Carmen Athelene Cruthird