Della Rush passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025. She had resided in Meadows Place, TX, for the past 48 years. She was born on May 12, 1936, at the DeTar Hospital in Victoria, TX, to the late Everett H. and Adele Berger Heller. She grew up on the family farm near Schroeder, Goliad County, TX where she learned the life skills that would serve her throughout her years. Della attended the Schroeder School District #9, which was a one room schoolhouse. She often rode her horse to school from the age of 7 until her high school years. She then attended Goliad High School where she excelled in academics and tennis. She won the District Title in Women’s Singles Tennis during her high school career.
Upon graduation from Goliad High School she married the love of her life and husband for 71 years, Carl V Rush Sr. They met at a Saturday night dance at Schroeder Hall and soon thereafter became a couple. They were married on July 4th, 1954, and took a trip to Carlsbad Caverns for their honeymoon.
She managed the household, which included overseeing four moves as a result of Carl’s career with the Oil and Gas Division of the Dow Chemical Company. She was also able to build a job at the same time, starting with Celanese Chemical in Bay City, TX, and then moving to the school system, where she ultimately retired from Fort Bend Independent School District in 1994 after over 20 years of service.
After retirement, she and Carl enjoyed spending time at her beloved family farm and traveling around the US.
Della was a member of the Order of Eastern Star.
Della Mae is survived by her two sons Carl Jr. (Missy) and Russell, both from Houston. Grandson Chris Rush of Galveston, granddaughter Erin Hancock (Wallace) of Richmond; grandson Ryan Rush of Austin; granddaughter Jennifer Poynter (Blaine) of Katy; granddaughter Lauren Clark (Brad) of Plano; great granddaughter Finley Hancock and two great grandsons Weston Hancock and Cavan Poynter. She is also survived by her niece, Marylin Scherer (Melvin) of Victoria, and nephew, James Heller of Lake Jackson, as well as numerous great nephews and brother-in-law, Don Rush (Pat) of Lufkin.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Farrell Heller, and wife, Ruth.
Services will be held on November 14, 2025, at 2:00 PM and conducted by family friend Chaplain CJ Waller at Rosewood Funeral Chapel, Victoria, TX. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Chris Rush, Ryan Rush, Blaine Poynter, Wallace Hancock, Brad Clark, and James Heller.
For those wishing, memorial donations may be made to The Audubon Society of Houston, 440 Wilchester Blvd, Houston, TX 77079, or www.audubon.org
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com
