Jean Hargrove Bush

November 2, 1927 – May 28, 2015

Jean Bush passed away on May 28, 2015.

Jean was born in Van Nuys, California to Norb and Eloise Hargrove. She attended high school in Van Nuys and was a student at the University of Arizona from 1945 through 1948. She was a member of the Delta Gama Sorority, a Class Officer and a University of Arizona Letter-winner as a member of the 1947-48 University of Arizona Swimming “Desert Mermaids.”

In 1948, she met and married Jim Bush – a pilot in the Air Force then attending the University of Arizona.

In 1950, Jim was assigned to the Far East. With two young children Susan and Steve – the Bushes spent two years on the island of Guam.

After returning to the States in 1953, the Bushes took up residence in Phoenix where Jim became associated with a prominent law firm. By now, the Bushes had added their third child – John.

While Jim practiced law – Jean was a devoted Wife and Mother. In addition to the care for her children and their activities, she found time for civic activities: Brownies, Girl Scouts, Women’s Club. She served as the President of the Visiting Nurse Service Auxiliary, Treasurer of the Phoenix Junior League and an active “Reader” for Recording For The Blind. Jean was especially involved and devoted to work for the mentally ill.

Jean was loving, kind, generous and unselfish to the core. Her husband and children always came first. She had hobbies and personal interests. Her favorite room in the house was her sewing room with her pictures, her collectibles (duck stamps, coins and thimbles) and above all – her sewing machine. She was an accomplished seamstress and a master in the art of needlepoint. Some of her closest friends were members of her sewing and garden clubs. Other friends included a dog, three cats, ten chickens and boatload of asthma!

She shared with her husband a mutual love and interest in art and music and liked to read biographies. As a Wife and Companion, Jean contributed immeasurably to her husband’s professional life and responsibilities. Whatever success Jim had was achieved through her charm, personality and support.

Until her last few years, Jean enjoyed good health and spirit. The onset of Alzheimer’s robbed her almost of her very being – but never her indomitable and adorable spirit. She always managed a smile and a hand squeeze. Never a complaint – always a “How are you?”

She was a treasure who will be sorely missed by many.

Private services were held June 3. Donations may be made to Banner’s Alzheimer’s Institute at 901 E. Willeta Street, Phoenix, AZ 85006.