Mary Mil Rushin

Mary Mil (Watson) Rushin of Poplar Bluff, MO, age 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 18, 2025, surrounded by those she loved the most. Mary lived a life deeply rooted in faith and love.

Mary was born on April 15, 1946, the daughter of John and Helen (Scribner) Watson. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, who cherished those she loved above all. Mary found joy in simple moments, strength in scripture, and purpose in encouraging others to trust in God's grace.

Mary was united in holy matrimony to James "Butch" Rushin on November 1, 1964. Mary and Butch were married for 51 years until he went to be with the Lord, on April 15, 2016. Butch often called Mary "Red" due to her fiery hair color and sassy personality that went along with it. Unto this union three children were born and, according to Mary, the most perfect grandchildren who ever lived! Family was the center of her world. She poured herself into raising her children and later cherished her role as grandmother.

Mary loved spending time with her close friends, going on vacation with all of her family, and just having all her people together any time she could. Her two most favorite pastimes included yelling at referees and umpires who did not know how to correctly call her grandson’s ball games and picking up her granddaughters from school so they could run around town to shop and eat junk food.

Mary is survived by her children Chris Rushin, his wife Denise, and granddaughters Ella and Emma Kate; Bud Rushin, his wife Teresa, and grandchildren Robert, Ross, Ryan and Amy; Jana Hosler, her husband Ken, and grandsons Colton and Caleb. Mary is also survived by her brother Mike Watson and his wife, Linda, who moved from Texas to spend the final years of Mary's life with her. Along with her sister-in-law, Barbie Mills and many extended family members and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, both parents, her brother, Larry Watson, her sister, Linda Watson Feil, and brothers-in-law Donnie and Steve Rushin.

A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors at 11:00 AM with Pastor Greg Gilberto officiating a service at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow in Cochran Cemetery.

Mary attended Grace Christian Fellowship for many years, and in more recent years, North Point Nazarene Church where she would give heartfelt testimonies of what God had done for her... no matter how sick she was. During the final months of her life Mary fought cancer with everything she had in her. Her steadfast belief in eternal life gave her peace in her times of trial. While her family will deeply grieve her loss, we rejoice in knowing she is now in the presence of the Lord, welcomed with the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Her legacy will not be measured in wealth or possessions, but in the countless lives she touched with her guidance, love, humor, and most importantly, her unwavering belief in the goodness of God.