Rush Watson

Madison - Rush H. Watson, age 79, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2015 at his home. He was born on August 30, 1935 to Rush and Amalia (Christen) Watson in Madison. During his high school years in Barneveld, he enjoyed basketball, football, baseball and golf. He was united in marriage to Nancy Carol Ayers, and they had two daughters, Sherry and Cindy. After living in Barneveld, Rush moved to Madison. He was a devoted husband and father. Nancy preceded him in death in 2003. Rush worked for Wingra Stone Co. in Madison for 45 years. He was a trusted salesman, and enjoyed people. Rush worked feverously for the Kidney Foundation, selling truck-loads of candy. On October 30, 2004 Rush married Arlene Larson Ellingson. He was a member of the Masons, Shriners and Jesters. Rush enjoyed fishing, playing cards, Namio's Steakhouse, and his coffee club. He was a huge Badger and Packer fan, attending the first Frosty Bowl and being in California for the first Super Bowl. Rush loved his home, his pool, and his porch. He enjoyed watching all of his children swim in the pool, and a final joy was to see his great-granddaughter, McKenzie, swim in the pool for the first time, just days ago. He loved his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren endlessly. Rush is survived by his wife, Arlene; his daughters, Sherry (Greg) Watson-Orr and Cindy Watson; step-children, Nanette (Phil) Smith and Todd (Julie) Ellingson; grandchildren, Brandon Glancy, Maxwell Zitzner and Ashley Zitzner; step-grandchildren, Amelia, Per, Tait, Ry and Thijs Ellingson; great-grandchildren, Payton and McKenzie Glancy; sister, Beverly Bilke; and brother, Roth Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Nancy. A visitation will be held from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, with a Masonic Service at 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, with Pastor Brent Campbell presiding. Burial will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery. Memorials in Rush's name may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI 53711; or Shriners Hospital for Children - Chicago, 575 Zor Shrine Place, Madison, WI 53719.
"We love you, and we'll miss you."

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
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