kenneth rush, sr.
A cherished husband, father, grandfather and friend, Kenneth E. Rush, Sr. ("Special K"), 79, a lifelong resident of Weirton, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Wednesday, October 31st. Having lived a life wrapped in the love of Jesus, he would have us remember one thing: know Jesus, walk, trust and rest in Him. A friend to many, his family treasures the memories of his deep, faithful and constant love for his wife and his family. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Nellie (Carlton), who he adored and with whom he was best of friends and his three beloved children, Cheryl O'Leary (John) of Virginia, Cindy Koelbl of Arizona, and Kenneth Jr. of Florida (friend, Mary Ellen). Survivors also include nine grandchildren Jennifer Howell (Jake), Rebecca Meneely, Johnathan Rush, Lauren Miller, Heather Greer (friend Jay), Kenny Greer (Becca), Michael Miller, Sarah (Rush) Lamantia (Ryan) and Kenny Rush (Natalie); twelve great grandchildren Hannah, Logan, Junior (Kenny), Elaina, Dryden, Kayla, Grace, Taylor, Connor, Devon, Carmen, and Braxton; five siblings, his brothers Otis Rush Sr. (Glenda), Paul Rush (Teresa), and sisters, Lois Lawrence, Glenda Sue Ames (Don) and Diana Wade (Roger); and his sister-in-law, Linda Rush along with countless other friends and family whom were blessed to know him. He was predeceased by his parents John and Lucy (Trader) Rush, brothers Edgar and infant John, sisters Wanda Carpenter, Hilda Whiteman and Babe Oliva, grandson Shane, and several other relatives. A member of the 25 year club, Kenneth was employed in the Blooming Mill Office of Weirton Steel for 32 years as the Scheduling Clerk and Insurance Director, having retired in 1984. A member of the Weirton First Church of the Nazarene and former member of the Follansbee Church of the Nazarene, he actively served in various capacities including Board Trustee, Steward, Chairman Board of Christian Life, Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Choir member, and participated in JOY. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by the Church. Born and educated in New Martinsville, he remained an avid fan of his high school alma mater, the Magnolia Blue Eagles and was a WVU enthusiast. In addition, he relished reading and studying the Bible, listening to Christian gospel music and watching gospel videos, playing crossword puzzles and dominoes, and enjoyed watching and participating in sports including football and golf, and in earlier days, hunting with his father, brothers, son and nephews on his brother's property. Committed to exposing his children to the sights and wonders of the United States and to enjoying meaningful family vacation time and time with Nellie after retirement, Kenneth traveled around the US and to Hawaii and Mexico. With great humility, Kenneth quietly inspired and impacted the lives of many with his faith, kindness, prayers, wit and smile. A legacy and not merely a life, he will be sorely missed. Visitation will be held at the Greco Hertnick Funeral Home on Saturday, November 3 from 6-8pm and Sunday, November 4 from 1-3 and 6-8pm. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held at First Church of the Nazarene, Colliers Way in Weirton, on Monday November 5 at 11am. Visitation will be provided at the Church an hour before the service. Interment and graveside rights will be held at Highland Hills immediately following the funeral. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Weirton First Church of the Nazarene, 475 Colliers Way, Weirton, WV 26062 The family wishes to thank the longtime care and friendship received from Dr. Cherian John and Dr. Sean Nolan and to acknowledge the kindness and support provided by the team of Valley Hospice.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dear Nellie & Family, Please accept our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Kenny. He truly was a saint of the church and will be missed. Although, we know all of heaven is smiling. We were happy to have been able to visit with him in the hospital. Even then he was so kind and caring that he said he was sorry that he was not much company due to the fact that he was just not feeling very well. May God Bless you all. Jim & Jackie Brandolino

  2. Becky, my deepest sympathies to you and your entire family on the loss of your beloved Papa. He obviously was dearly loved and respected, so his memory will live on in your hearts. My prayers for all of you. Renee

  3. My sympathy to Nellie and family. Kenny will be sorely missed, but our loss is definitely Heaven’s gain. I enjoyed those days when he was at the Follansbee Church and we would have our Men’s Prayer breakfast. Now he sings in the Heavenly Choir and I know that the music is far sweeter than any down here below.

  4. I am so sorry to read of Kenny’s passing. He was our clerk in the Blooming Mill and was well thought of by all. May the Good Lord be with the family at this sad time

  5. My condolences to the Rush family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May God bless you and guide you during your time of sorrow. Cindy, Lauren, Michael, and Jennifer hugs and prayers are being sent your way.

  6. I remember working with Kenny in the Blooming Mill. He was truly of great character and faith. I extend my sincere sympathy to his family. Don Suray, ex Blooming Mill Supt.

  7. Dearest Family..It is with much sadness that I send this today, but our loss is Heaven’s gain. He is celebrating with our Kenneth today, and singing with the angels. God bless all of you and know that our prayers are there with you. Keep trusting Jesus to get you through this, and He will. With all my love, Donna Koehn

  8. Nellie, I am so sorry about Ken. He was such a nice and gentle man. I am sorry I am so far away, but know my thoughts are with you and your family. Love, Chris

  9. Dear Aunt Nellie & family – we are deeply saddened at the loss of uncle Ken. We know all too well the immense sense of loss you are experiencing, but we also know that uncle Ken is rejoicing in Heaven with Daddy today. No more pain and suffering for either of them. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Dennis, Dawn, Amber & Daniel.

  10. Although we are not able to be there with you in body, Please know that we are there with you in spirit. We love our Grandma and Papa. May Jesus comfort you and keep you. -Elaina, Connor, Devon and Jay

  11. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of your loss of your dear loved one. May he rest in peace now.

  12. to the Rush family: I was sorry to read about the death in your family. I did not know Kenneth, but I knew Edgar and Otis and was a classmate of Linda Rush at Sistersville High School. Please accept my sympathies in your sadness.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

  1. Candle Selection 1
  2. Candle Selection 2
  3. Candle Selection 3
  4. Candle Selection 4
  5. Candle Selection 5
  6. Candle Selection 6
  7. Candle Selection 7
  8. Candle Selection 8