Leona Marie Schnabel Rush was born in Belmont, Texas on May 8, 1918 to Carolena and Arno Schnabel. She passed away on July 22, 2005 in Beaumont, Texas.
Leona attended school in Belmont, then graduated from Gonzales High School in 1934 as class valedictorian. She moved to San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Milam Business School. In San Antonio, Leona met Clyde Crosby Rush. After a long courtship, Leona and Clyde married November 12, 1939 at Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church. Leona and Clyde settled in Beaumont, Texas where Clyde became a policeman for the Beaumont Police Department.
Leona was an avid reader, Sunday School Teacher, PTA Officer, volunteer, collector of Madame Alexander dolls, and most of all dedicated mother. Working for Ryder Truck Lines, she was also a member and officer of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Beaumont. Leona was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church.
Her husband and life long partner, Clyde Cosby Rush, her parents; Arno and Carolena Schnabel, and her two sisters, Antoinette “Boots” Burris and Peggy Chapman preceded her in death. Her daughter, Kay Rush Schmaltz and her husband Harold of Alvin, Texas; her son, Jim Rush and his wife Karen of Beaumont survive her. Also surviving are her dearly beloved grandchildren, Amy Schmaltz of Port Neches, Kelly Williams and her husband Trent of Houston, Casey Rush and Hunter Rush of Beaumont.
The family expresses deep gratitude and appreciation to the management and staff of Sabine Oaks Home for their kindness, tender care and compassion.
Memorial gifts may be made to First United Methodist Church, 701 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
Funeral services will be 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 24, 2005 at First United Methodist Church followed by burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin. Visitation was held Saturday evening at the mortuary.
