Betsey Richards Bush

Betsey Richards Bush, loving and beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away at the University of Tennessee Medical Center on July 2, 2017. She was born in Blair, Wisconsin on June 19, 1937. She was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire and taught in public elementary schools in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ohio before her marriage in 1971 to Condon S. Bush, CEO of Bush Bros. He and Betsey moved to Knoxville in 1978. Betsey was a generous philanthropist and an active board member and valued supporter of numerous arts and charitable organizations, including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Opera, the Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville Botanical Gardens, Helen Ross McNabb Center, Volunteer Ministry Center, the University of Tennessee School of Social Work, East Tennessee Historical Society, the Women's Fund of East Tennessee, Friends of Tennessee's Babies with Special Needs, Knox Heritage, and many others. She was a member and past president of PEO Chapter S and an avid gardener and traveler whose curious mind was always questing and whose generous heart was always seeking new ways to celebrate, delight, and support those she loved. She adored children, and children adored her right back in equal measure. Betsey was also a dedicated member and elder of Second Presbyterian Church of Knoxville and played a key role in the lay leadership and operations of the church. She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. Raymond and Alice Richards, her husband Condon, and their son Benjamin. She is survived by her son Jay (Susan) Bush; daughters Sarah (Joe) Nuckolls and Rachel (Danny) Byrd; grandchildren Ian and Cameron Bush, Shelby and MacKenzie Nuckolls, and Ellen, Keaton, and Allyson Brock; sisters Susan (Jack) McKinley and Faith Adamson; brother Randy (Wendy) Richards; numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. She will be celebrated and remembered on Thursday, July 6, at Second Presbyterian Church, Knoxville, TN, with a reception of family and friends at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary led by the Rev. Dr. William R. Barron. A graveside service will follow at Highland Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the organizations mentioned above. Online condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Betsey Richards Bush

June 19, 1937 - July 2, 2017