Ethel Mae Bush

Ethel Mae Bush, age 94, of Baytown, TX passed away peacefully at her home in Remington Park on Wednesday, May 3, 2006. She was born December 15, 1911 in Edna and lived there until 1920 when her family moved to Pelly, where her father went to work for Humble Oil Co. Ethel often recalled the first night they spent on Main St. in Pelly. An oil well blew out and sprayed the buildings and streets with oil, causing havoc in the area. The next week they moved to New Town (Goose Creek) where she and her sister attended school in a converted hay barn located on the corner of N. Commerce and W. Sterling. The next year Anson Jones School was built, followed by Horace Mann and Robert E. Lee High School, where she graduated in 1930. Ethel then attended Sam Houston State College in Huntsville for one year, where she received her teaching certificate. She was joined in marriage by Fred Price and they were blessed with a son, Kenneth Lynn Price, who now lives in California. Fred and Ethel attended the First Christian Church located by the “Big Tree” on Texas Ave. and later the church relocated to a new building on Forrest St. Ethel, with her scant knowledge of music was asked to play the piano and later the Hammond organ for the church, which she did for many years. After the untimely death of her husband in 1934, she worked eight years in the water department for the City of Goose Creek, which was located in the fire station at the corner of S. Main and Gulf Ave.

In 1943, Ethel married Carl Bush and they were blessed with twins, Ann and Van Bush; Carl died in March of 1959. In May of 1959, Ethel accepted the position as church secretary at First Christian Church and worked there until her retirement in April of 1989.

Ethel had a zest for life and loved her City by the Bay. She was enthusiastic in her service to her family, friends, church, and various activities that she participated in for many years. She loved music! She played the piano and organ for her church, weddings, and Earthman’s Funeral Home for many years. In 2001, Ethel moved into Remington Park Assisted Living Care Facility, where she would often play the piano for the enjoyment of the residents. Ethel was Worthy Matron of the Goose Creek Chapter #798, Order of the Eastern Star in 1945 and was the last living member of the original Past Matrons Club, organized in 1959.

Others preceding Ethel in death were her parents, Arthur and Lottie Roden; sister, Susie Yowell; daughter, Ann Elizabeth Horton; and granddaughter, Robin Fall of Dublin, CA. She is survived by her two sons, Van Bush of Dickinson and Kenneth Price of Hayward, CA; grandchildren, Gaylene Burkett and Jill Stangeland of Dublin, CA, Kelly Schrock of Pearland, Scott Bush of Mesquite, and Kathryn Horton and Kenneth Horton of Baytown; 9 great grandchildren; one niece, Mary Margaret Zafra; two cousins, Jackie Fuller of Baytown and John Preston Roden of Seattle, WA; and three dear friends, Elizabeth Hagan, Lanny Horton, and Sarah Johnson.

A special appreciation to the staff and personnel at Remington Park for a truly wonderful environment to enjoy the latter days of ones “Golden Years”, and another special thanks to Faith Communities Hospice, who insured continuous care at the highest professional level.

Baytown has lost one of its Pioneers, but she will rest in peace in the Cedarcrest Mausoleum beside her daughter, Ann Elizabeth Horton. Entombment will be private. MAY HE LORD WELCOME YOU INTO HIS KINGDOM WITH OPEN ARMS.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Ethel M. Bush, P. O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718, www.cancer.org.

Her family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Friday, May 5, 2006 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church, 201 Forrest Avenue, Baytown, TX 77520 on Saturday, May 6, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Bob Shomp officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.