Jennifer "Jeni" Rae Rush

Jennifer Rae Rush, known lovingly as Jeni, was born on October 1, 1973, in San Antonio, Texas and entered Heaven on April 7, 2025. Jeni was the cherished wife of W.M. Rusty Rush, the treasured daughter of Ernest and Hope Gonzales, and a devoted, loving mother to Kylie and Hunter Rush. She was an adoring stepmother to Holly Zidek and a proud grandmother to Bailey and Harper Zidek. She is also survived by her siblings, Adam Gonzales, Ernie Gonzales, Esther Cotton, and Cindy Swank; and countless nephews, nieces, in-laws, cousins, and friends.

A passionate advocate for education and mental health, Jeni earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Learning and Development from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling at Texas State University. She devoted her career to serving others, beginning as an elementary and middle school teacher in the Northeast Independent School District and later as a therapist at the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter. Jeni also owned and operated her own practice as the lead clinician at Ray of Hope Texas, LLC, where she “Brought the Sunshine back” to her patients and all who she treated. Being a therapist was more than just a job to her, helping people was her true passion in life.

Jeni’s love for life was boundless. She loved watching movies and TV shows in the comfort of her home, and she cherished the times spent at the family beach house and also enjoyed camping with Rusty at the Mansfield Land Cut on South Padre Island. She found joy in fishing in the bay and was a proud Swiftie that could name every word to every song. Her dogs Dean, Tiny, Clancy, and Keno weren’t just pets; they were her family and meant the world to her. She loved game nights with her children, nieces, and nephews, especially when her team came out on top. One of her favorite things in the world was snuggling in bed with her husband, children, and dogs.

She will be remembered for helping people without ever expecting anything in return. She never met a stranger and had the most contagious laugh and smile that would make anyone feel better. She was the most resilient person on earth. Her charisma, wittiness and light shined in any room she walked in. She made you feel heard no matter how small your voice felt. The word take wasn’t in her vocabulary; all she knew how to do was give. She was the strongest person alive and the definition of true authenticity. She was a true empath to all living things and would take in any animal day or night and could always make someone feel better even if she was not feeling good herself. She believed in her children with all her heart and was their greatest supporter.

The Rush Family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, you consider making a donation in Jeni's name to the ASPCA.

A visitation for Jeni will be held Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, Texas 78232. A reading of eulogies will occur Monday, April 14, 2025 from 10:15 AM to 10:45 AM at St Helena Catholic Church, 14714 Edgemont St, San Antonio, TX 78247, followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 AM.