Willene Rush Chalmers

Willene Rush Chalmers passed away peacefully on April 22, 2024, aged 93. Born on July 24, 1930, in Middlesboro, KY, she was the youngest of five children of Martha (Barnard) Rush and Sherman Rush. She graduated from Powell Valley High School, Claiborn County, in 1948, after which she married Robert J. Rush, a successful musician and businessman. Making their home in South Knoxville, the couple had two children, Dorian and Susan. Dorian, a musician and artist, passed away at 20 while a junior at the University of Tennessee. Willene was very active in founding Lake Hills Presbyterian Church where she was the third president of the Women of the Church. She also served as an Elder and was the first female to serve on the Presbytery Board of Knoxville. The church later named her a Lifetime Member of the Church, its highest honor for women. Her other volunteer work includes 12 years at Helen Ross McNabb Center, service as a Pink Lady at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, and a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. After 29 years of marriage, her husband Bob passed away from cancer. Following his advice and encouragement, Willene took over his growing business Rush’s Musical Services. Under her leadership and aided by the management of Stephen Boyce, the business flourished becoming a cornerstone of band programs across East Tennessee. Willene was recognized as a member of the First Families in Tennessee and Kentucky in addition to being a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was an active board member for many organizations including the YWCA, the Tuesday Morning Music Club, and Ossoli Circle of Knoxville, a social services organization. She also served many years on the boards of the Knoxville Opera and the Knoxville Symphony. She was especially devoted to two organizations- Historic Ramsey House and the Knoxville Symphony League for which she served as a both a board member and president. In 1984, Willene married Gordon J. Chalmers of Greeneville, TN, and had seventeen wonderful years together travelling around the world visiting Russia, China, Australia, Africa, and many times to Europe. She and Gordon joined St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral of Knoxville, where Willene served on the alter guild, was a member of the Daughters of the King, and sang in the cathedral choir. She also completed the four-year Education for Ministry program. Gordon passed away in 2001. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Susan R. Ewing, a physical therapist, and her husband Dr. Bruce Alan Ewing, an educator; her two precious grandchildren, Dorian Reed Ewing and Christoph Aleksandr Ewing, who had her love and hope from the moment they entered her life; as well as three nieces, Lisa (Thomas Gregg) Spainhower, Rowena (Michael Pelczynski), and Jessica (Ray Miller) Wood and their families. She is also survived by a sweet, fat white cat with a black tail, Misty. The memorial service will be on Wednesday, May 29th at 6:00 pm at St. John's Cathedral. A musical prelude will begin at 5:30 pm. Memorial donations may be made in her name to St. John’s Cathedral or the Knoxville Symphony League. Arrangements by Rose Funeral & Cremation - Mann. Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com

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Willene Rush Chalmers

April 22, 2024