Lucille Rush

Lucille Cecelia Rush (Yacovetta), 99 years old,  was born May 30th,1921 in Denver, Colorado.  She passed away peacefully, surrounded by family in her home in Lakewood, Colorado at 11:47pm on September 2, 2020.  Lucille was one of eight siblings and a devoted daughter of Frank and Mary Yacovetta (Lombardi), who immigrated from Italy in the early 1900’s. She was born and raised in Denver’s Italian neighborhood. Lucille graduated from Holy Family High School in 1939 and dreamed of being a nurse since she was in the fourth grade.  She waited one year for her younger sister Stella to graduate high school, then they both attended nurse’s training together at Saint Anthony Hospital in 1941.  After graduating and passing her boards, Lucille immediately joined the Navy at 21 years old.  She was stationed in San Francisco, California on Treasure Island working in the burn and psychiatric units.  When WWII ended, Lucille returned home to Colorado and began working in private practice.

Lucille met her husband Ellis Franklin Rush, also a WWII veteran, at a military dance in Denver after the war. She loved to dance the jitterbug and was smitten with Frank from the start.  They were married on November 13,1948 and raised four children: Larry, Jim, Marilyn and Carol.

Lucille spent much of her career at Saint Anthony Hospital where she was the recovery room supervisor.  After retirement she volunteered at Saint Anthony Hospital well into her 90s.  She was a beloved member of this community where she was admired and greatly respected.  Her decades of service granted many the opportunity to profit from her compassion and loving support.

Over the course of her career, Lucille received numerous awards including “Nurse of the Year” District 20 by the Colorado Nurse Association. In 1975, Lucille received the “Franciscan Award” which is the highest honor given by Saint Anthony Hospital to an employee. In 1977 she was included in the “Tenth Edition of the Who’s Who of American Women” because of her outstanding achievements in her field of endeavor. In 2011, Denver Channel 7 recognized Lucille’s faithful 45 years of volunteering by awarding her the designation of “Everyday Hero.”  The announcement included a news clip featuring Lucille’s life.

Lucille was an Italian spitfire, who loved her family and her heritage.  One of her favorite things to do was cook and entertain.  Her friends and relationships were important to her.  If you ever entered her home, you never left without a divine Italian meal and outstanding hospitality.  She was a devout Bronco and CU football fan and a loyal season ticket holder of both, for more than 50 years. She loved to read Danielle Steele romantic novels and enjoyed tending her beautiful flower gardens.  She went to as many Italian Bazaar’s and Catholic Church Fish Fry’s as she could.  Until her declining years, she was a ball of energy from sun up to sun down and always an example of self-motivation and strength.  Above all, Lucille treasured grandchildren and family.

Lucille is survived by her four children: Larry John Rush (Julie), James Frank Rush (Kristen), Marilyn Cecilia Rush McCormick (Robert), Carol Lucille Kistner (Daryl); 9 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; two sisters-in laws: Joane Kenney Rush of Butler, Mo, and Doris Marie Cowley Rush of Wichita Kansas; 7 nieces and 10 nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ellis Franklin Rush; her parents: Frank Yacovetta and Mary Lombardi Yacovetta; 7 siblings: Albert Yacovetta, Elizabeth Yacovetta Brunhober, Frederick Yacovetta, Angelina Yacovetta Conzone, Daniel Yacovetta, Leonard Yacovetta, Stella Rose Marie Yacovetta Hargis;1 grandson: Christopher John Rush; 1 niece and 4 nephews; 9 brothers in law and 7 sisters in law.

Contributions in memory of Lucille Rush can be made to Collier Hospice.

A visitation for Lucille will be held at 5:00pm, Tuesday, September 15, followed by a Recitation of the Rosary at 7:00pm, both at Horan & McConaty, 3101 South Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood.  Masks will be required along with appropriate social distancing.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am, Thursday, September 17 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 2626 East 7th Avenue Parkway, Denver, Colorado.  Following the Mass, a graveside service will be held at 1:30pm, Thursday, September 17, at Fort Logan National Cemetery.  Masks will be required along with appropriate social distancing.

A Celebration of Life reception honoring Lucille will be held at 2:30pm, Thursday, September 17 at Fox Hollow Golf Club, 13410 West Morrison Road, Lakewood.  This event will be OUTDOORS under a roofed pavilion. Light hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Please share memories of Lucille and condolences with her family by signing the Tribute Wall.