Roy W Bush

Roy Wallace Bush, age 93, left this world to be with our Heavenly Father on May 31, 2023. He passed away peacefully at the Cottage at the Meadow in Yakima surrounded by family who were saying a rosary for him.

One of the things we remember most about Roy/Dad was his deep spirituality which guided him every day. He felt as a young child he had been given the gift of God’s grace and it continued throughout his life. We are comforted knowing he is in the presence of the Lord, receiving the glory of Heaven.

Roy was born on July 26, 1929 to Roy Wallace Bush Sr. and Mildred (Kenyon) Bush. He had a wonderful childhood growing up in Toppenish, Washington, among gardens and fruit trees. He graduated from Toppenish High School in 1947. Roy then attended Central Washington State College and earned his teaching degree in 1951. Following that, he enlisted in the Air Force where he received aerial reconnaissance training and became a Second Lieutenant. After another 20 years serving in the Air Force reserves, he retired having earned the rank of Major.

Roy began his career as an educator in 1953 at Adams Elementary in Yakima where he taught sixth grade. After completing a Master’s degree at Seattle University, he was assigned his first position as a principal at age 29 at Whitney Elementary. He also worked as principal at McKinley and McClure Elementaries. During many summers he taught courses at Central Washington University to teachers working on advanced degrees. After retiring from public education, Roy spent time working at Carroll High School and St. Paul’s Elementary, for a total of 50 years as an educator. He touched countless lives during his remarkable career.

It was at Adams Elementary where Roy met the cute music teacher from North Dakota, Dorothy Rugsven. While most teachers left for a break when Dorothy came to teach, Roy always stayed in the classroom for “support.” Their love sparked and went from there. They were married on August 18, 1956, and enjoyed over 66 years in a loving partnership. They were a shining example of what marriage should be.

Roy and Dorothy enjoyed traveling, and took trips to Norway, England, France, Italy, Alaska, and Hawaii. They also shared a love of music. For years they had season tickets to Yakima Symphony Orchestra performances. They also sang in the choir at Holy Family Catholic Church, where they were members since its inception in 1957. They sang at Easter Mass last April.

Continuing to feel the presence of God’s grace in his life, Roy served the church in many different roles, including youth education director in the early days of Holy Family, Parish Council member and president, Eucharistic Minister to the elderly in nursing homes, and Regional Serra Club President (an organization promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life).

Roy and Dorothy’s four children were blessed to have them as parents. Roy was the best dad imaginable. He consistently gave support, advice, and shared his great wealth of knowledge throughout their childhoods and beyond. He taught them all to swim, skip rocks, ride bikes, drive, and multitudes of life lessons, including the importance of kindness. For several years he was a leader of Tom and Andy’s boy scout troop, taking them on many backpacking and canoeing adventures. He also took Sar and Jen on numerous hikes. In later years he continued to enjoy hiking with Jen and her dogs.

Roy had a sharp mind and quick wit. He was very clever at inventing believable pranks every April 1st. Even though family members were on their toes knowing this, the pranks were almost always successful. Recently, while waiting for a medical procedure with nothing to do, he occupied himself by composing limericks in his head. One doctor described him as “a 93-year-old extremely pleasant gentleman.” He often made medical professionals smile and laugh as they treated him.

In addition to all of Roy’s other gifts, he was a talented writer. He published five books for young adults and “those young at heart” as he would say. His last one, “Annie’s Ark” was published in January of 2023.

Roy’s wisdom, wit, and support will be greatly missed every day.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Mildred, sister Nadine Shepard, and son-in-law Barry James. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, sons Tom Bush (Veronica) of Puyallup, Andy Bush (Nadya) of Yakima, daughters Sarah James and Jennifer Bush of Yakima, beloved grandchildren Aaron, Olivia, Tolya, Eva, Eden, and Amelia, and a nephew and five nieces.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in memory of Roy Bush to Catholic Charities of Central Washington, 5301 Tieton Drive, Yakima WA 98908.

There will be a public viewing/visitation prior to the Rosary from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14th at Holy Family Chapel. A rosary saying will be held Wednesday June 14th as well beginning at 5:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will take place on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. with a reception and internment at Calvary Cemetery to follow.