Patsy Diane Brush

Patsy Diane Brush went home to be with the Lord on May 17, 2020, at River Ridge Retirement Village in South Haven, Michigan.  She was born on January 9, 1933 in South Haven to Cletus and Frances (Bagent) Lilly.  Patsy graduated from South Haven High School in 1950.  She married the love of her life, Leon H. Brush, that same year and shared 68 years with him before his death in 2018.  They settled down in Casco Township to raise a family and farm. Patsy was a loving mother to four children, Sherry, Arnold, John, and Debbie.  She was Leon’s dedicated partner in farming, whether it was giving a hand in the barnyard or field, having three meals a day on the table in a flash, mowing the yard or keeping the farm books. They worked hard on the farm until they retired and sold the farm in 1996. Patsy and Leon were able to realize one of their dreams when they later were able to build a home next to the location of their first home on their original farm land.  Patsy was a great cook.   The family loved her potato salad, famous Christmas cookies, and pies.  It was nothing for her to bake 4-6 pies at a time to share “Patsy’s pies” with family and friends. 

Patsy and Leon shared many blessings together.  They loved the Lord and served in several area churches throughout their marriage.  Patsy and Leon loved to travel together and were able to spend many memorable winters in Florida and Texas.  During these travels they loved to visit family and made some lifelong friendships.  Patsy and Leon also loved playing cards, watching the birds, and visiting grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Leon, two brothers, Cletus (Tommy) Lilly, Jr. and Francis (Skip) Lilly and daughter-in-law Pam (Arnold) Brush.

Patsy is survived by her children Sherry and Tom Barnes of Fennville, Arnold Brush of Gallatin, TN, John and Lou Ann Brush of Fennville, and Debbie Brush Crane of Ooltewah, TN, along with 10 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.  Sister Brenda Daniels of North Fort Myers, FL also survives.

Private family services will take place. Special thanks to the entire staff at River Ridge Retirement Village and Caring Circle Hospice for their loving care of both Patsy and Leon.  Patsy will be laid to rest at McDowell Cemetery in Casco Township.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Patsy’s memory to Caring Circle Hospice at Home, 05055 Blue Star Highway, South Haven, Michigan 49090 or to the Truth Skate Ministries, 05251 CR 689 South Haven, Michigan 49090.