Virgil Hugh Rushton…April 9, 1918 – September 5, 2015
Russ Baldwin | Sep 09, 2015 | Comments 0
Funeral services for Holly, Colorado resident, Virgil Hugh Rushton, affectionately known as Hugh, will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2015 at Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel in Holly, Colorado. Mr. Kevin May, minister of Lamar Church of Christ, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Holly Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at the funeral home.
Virgil Hugh Rushton was born on April 9, 1918 in Weatherford, Oklahoma to C.B. and Alice (Perkins) Rushton. He passed away at his home on September 5, 2015 at the age of 97.
Hugh moved to Southeastern Colorado in 1927, at the age of nine. He attended grade school at South Webb School and three years of high school at the Lycan School, Lycan, CO, where he was on the basketball team.
He began his adult life with his loving wife, Elsie, in 1940 and became a very successful farmer and rancher. To this union was born three daughters.
Hugh was an active member of the Church of Christ, served on the Webb School Board for fifteen years and the Holly School Board for eight years. Being active in agriculture and livestock, Hugh was a member of the Holly Fair Board and Lamar Fair Board for many years. He and Elsie were the Grand Marshals of the Holly Fair Parade in 1993. During these years, Hugh bred, raised and showed quarter horses at various fairs, loved to ride and rope with his friends and was an original member of the Holly Saddle Club and founding member of the first rodeo grounds in Holly. Hugh bred Baby Doll, a nationally famous Steer Wrestling horse for Willard & Benny Combs from 1953-1960.
Hugh was an all-around active community member. He was very supportive of all sports events in Holly and the surrounding area. He and Elsie were chosen “Wildcat Sports Boosters” of the year in 1990-91 and continued to support the Holly Wildcats watching grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews until his failing eyesight in 2013. At this time, Hugh became a devoted listener to the radio to keep up with local sport action.
This man will be greatly missed, as he was loved by many. He was devoted to living the Christian life, serving God and his fellowman.
Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, C.B. and Alice Rushton; wife, Elsie Rushton in 2011; sister, Louise Harper; brother, Melvin Rushton; grandson, Barry Jones; and son-in-law, David Miller.
He is survived by three daughters, Rose Marie Jones and husband, Jerry of Holly, Colorado, Betty Headrick and husband, Duane of Turpin, Oklahoma, and Connie Miller of Lakin, Kansas; brothers, Donald Rushton of Holly, Colorado and Temple Rushton and wife, Sally of Holly, Colorado; sister, Irene May of Lamar, Colorado; 11 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to Mountain States Children’s Home, Lamar Area Hospice, or the charity of the donor’s choice in care of Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, Colorado, 81052.
For more information or to leave online condolences please visit www.valleymemorialfc.com.
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