Jane Ellen Bush

Jane Ellen Argast Bush

January 13, 1929- June 30, 2025

Jane Ellen Argast Bush, age 96, of Westfield IN, passed away peacefully at her home on June 30th, 2025. Born in Union City, IN on January 13, 1929, she was the beloved daughter of Frank Xavier Argast and Margaret Northlane Argast.

Jane was raised in Indianapolis, where she graduated from Ladywood High School in 1947. She went on to study at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later pursued her passion for design and art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, specializing in Interior Design.

After college she returned to Indianapolis, to work as a designer at her Father’s Business, Farrell-Argast Electric Company, Inc. It was during this time she met her future husband, Robert Samuel Bush, a writer for McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, based in New York City. He was in Indianapolis researching an article on women in the work force. They married on December 1, 1956 and moved to Englewood New Jersey. They raised 4 of their 5 children there until returning to Indianapolis to be close to family.

Jane embraced motherhood as both a calling and a joy. Adding a 5th child to the family, she nurtured them with love, deep wisdom, and strength. She created a home full of creativity, learning, strong faith and laughter-values she passed down with intention and grace.

Her love only grew as her family expanded. Jane cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with a fierce and tender devotion. She was their cheerleader, prayer warrior, storyteller and safe place. Whether it was celebrating milestones, sending hand written notes or offering a warm hug and a prayer, “Gran” tried to make each grandchild feel uniquely treasured. Her face lit up in their presence, and she never missed a chance to tell them how proud she was and how deeply she loved them.

She had a true creative spirit-her watercolor paintings of animals and Indiana landscapes were loved by her family and friends. Her artistic talents also found expression in floral design during her time at McNamara Florists.

An avid and curious reader, Jane was known to be reading a history book, a novel and her latest book club selection-simultaneously. Her love of learning and storytelling also was displayed through in her role as a Historical Interpreter at Conner Prairie Museum, where she worked for many years. Later, after moving to Westfield, she contributed to the beautification of the community through her involvement with Westfield in Bloom.

Jane made lifelong friends wherever she lived, worked or volunteered. Her faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life, and she was deeply connected to, and loved her Church family at Circle City Church in Indianapolis. She served faithfully in various ministries and was known as a devoted prayer warrior. Even in her 90’s, she regularly sent scripture and encouraging texts each week to a long list of family and friends.

One of her favorite verses, Romans 12:12, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer” – beautifully reflects the way she lived her life. Through life’s celebrations and hardships, Jane’s faith remained her anchor and her light.

For the past 2 years, Jane called Sanders Glen Assisted Living, “Home”, where she developed deep and meaningful friendships with both the residents and staff. She had a fun ‘zest for life’ and was always looking forward to the next adventure or celebration with others. Her warm smile, servant’s heart and joyful spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Jane was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Argast (1981); daughter, Jenny Bush (1982); both parents, Frank and Margaret Argast (1988); husband, Robert Bush (1989); Sister-in-law, Ruth Bush (1992); Brother-in-law, Owen Bush (2001); and Sister-in-law, Jean Argast (2006).

Jane is survived by 4 children: Cheryl Bush Clark (Steve); Juli Bush Swisher (Russ); Mike Bush (Deb); and Kim Bush Rastatter.

Jane was a proud and loving grandmother to 10 grandchildren: Phil Clark (Chelsea); Sarah Clark; Grace Clark King (Conner); Isaac Swisher; Riley Swisher; Andy Swisher; Ty Bush; Brandon Bush; Dylan Rastatter; and Ella Rastatter. Her great grandchildren- Emma Clark (5), Everly Clark (14 months), and Cora King (10 months)-brought her immense joy. To Jane, every child was a blessing and a new chapter in the beautiful family story that she helped to shape.

Though her brother, Charles and Sister-in-law, Jean passed in1981 and 2006, respectively, Jane maintained close bonds with their ten children and their families. Although most of them live in the Pacific Northwest and Canada, she considered each one her “Own”, and loved them dearly. Jane kept in close contact by heartfelt letters, cards, regular phone calls, and even occasional visits.

A private family Celebration of Life was held July 2nd. A community Celebration of Life with extended family, friends, Church family and Sander’s Glen Family will take place on August 30th, at Sander’s Glen Assisted Living, Westfield IN from 1:30-3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Circle City Church, PO Box 501394 Indianapolis IN 46250

Canines For Christ, Therapy Dog Ministry 501(c)3 Non-Profit Mail donations to: Canines For Christ Therapy Dog Ministry, PO Box 1047, Pleasanton TX 78064 or on line: k9forchrist.org- go to donate tab and make a memorial tribute and donation.