Eunice Ellen Bush was born April 25, 1941 to Frank and Bessie Bristow at their home in Shawnee in the middle of what has since become the Shawnee Airport. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Clarence Bush, her parents, and 2 brothers William Alonzo Bristow and Paul Bristow.
Eunice attended first grade in Lamar, CO before the family moved back to Shawnee where she finished the remainder of her schooling including obtaining her GED at the age of 53, an accomplishment she was quite proud of. Two years later at age 55 Eunice got her drivers license for the first time, another accomplishment she was proud of and inspiring others to pursue goals in life regardless of age or time passed.
Eunice married John Clarence Bush on February 6, 1971 and together they had 2 children John and Mary Bush which she frequently commented were her whole life second only to Jesus. When John later married and granddaughter Riverlyn was born, Eunice’s love and enthusiasm couldn’t be contained and she would show pictures of her grandbaby to anyone who would look.
Eunice also claimed “adopted” daughter Toni Dees and granddaughter Aireanna Dees who respectively called her “Mama” and “Grandma.” Mom loved to tell people about the time she and Aire raced each other at the zoo – Aire on foot and Eunice in her mobility scooter.
Eunice had several grandcats and dogs over the years that brought her much comfort and joy and it nearly broke her heart when her “baby” Shadow passed away last year.
Eunice was a farmer’s wife which meant she had that full time job as well as her husband. In addition during her lifetime she was an amazing housewife, mother, seamstress, Sunday school teacher, and faithful church member. She loved spending time with her church family for regular services, prayer meeting and fellowship functions.
Eunice did everything from hauling hay to canning fruit to sewing many of Mary’s dresses over the years. At one point she sewed rag dolls for all of her nieces and nephews at the time.
Eunice loved people and she loved to talk them stranger or not and it was rare she found someone she couldn’t strike up a conversation with.
Eunice also loved to play board games with family especially Skip Bo or Dominos. She loved game shows and puzzles and she loved to go to Branson, particularly the shows at the Sight and Sound theater there.
Eunice loved to read her Bible and was disappointed on days she wasn’t able to read it as much as she liked.
She also found great comfort in song and Mary could often hear her from the other room while Eunice was doing dishes or other housework.
Eunice is survived by daughter Mary Bush of the home, son John Bush and wife Mary of Springfield, Missouri, granddaughter Riverlyn Bush of Springfield, MO, “adopted” daughter and granddaughter Toni and Aireanna Dees. Sister in law Clara Bristow and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family in Christ.
There will be a visitation held Friday, May 7, 2021 from 4-8 at Resthaven Funeral Home and on Saturday from 9-5 at Resthaven Funeral Home. The celebration of her life will be at Meeker Living Waters PCG on Monday, May 10, 2021 at 2:00 PM with burial to follow out to Tecumseh City Cemetery.
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