In Memory

Laird Rush

Dr. Laird Loraine Rush, 86, of Blacksburg, Va., died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at Lewis Gayle Montgomery Hospital in Blacksburg. Dr. Rush was born Aug. 17, 1927, in McGaheysville, and was the youngest of four boys born on the family farm to the late Dr. Charles C. Rush Sr. and Flossie Bell Grant Rush.
 
He graduated from McGaheysville High School and went on to earn his AB degree from Bridgewater College, his master’s from the University of Virginia, and his doctorate from Duke University. He served in the Navy during World War II. Dr. Rush also coached at Millboro High School in Bath County, Va., and at Albemarle High School while living in Charlottesville for 10 years. He taught at Ferrum Jr. College, Radford College and finished his career within the education department at Virginia Tech as the assistant director of Teacher Placement for 14 years. After his retirement in 1988, Dr. Rush and his wife, Martha Jane Sandy Rush, whom he married on Dec. 23, 1950, moved to Warm Hearth Retirement Community in Blacksburg. He was active in the Masons and the United Methodist Church of Blacksburg.
 
He is survived by his wife of 63 years; his daughter, Deborah Paige Rush of Richmond, Va.; a niece, Dr. Susan E. Rush; and nephew, James W. Rush Jr. 
 
The family will hold a viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013, at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2013, at McGaheysville United Methodist Church followed by an interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery in McGaheysville.

Submitted by Bill Leatherman.
 
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, AFA. Toll free 1-866-232-8484.
 
Online condolences are welcome at www.kygers.com .