Obituary of Ann Wellck Rush

Fondly known by her old friends as Vonnie, Ann was born in Tulsa Oklahoma January 6th 1941 to Glenn and Edith Spangler and was the fourth of four children. Ann graduated from high school in Oklahoma City. She then attended Oklahoma City University and Greenville College for a short time. In 1960 she travelled by ship to Europe. She ended her trip in Florence, Italy to study art at the Accademia di Arti under Professor Nerina Simi. She returned briefly to Oklahoma and then made a second trip to Italy in 1964, for additional classes at the Academia. On her return to Oklahoma City she enrolled for more classes at Oklahoma City University. She then moved to Colorado Springs and then to Boulder where she enrolled at CU to earn her BFA, which she did in 1971. At the same time she worked as an editor for the Geological Society of America. This led to her catering at meetings for GSA. The catering then became her full time job and she and a partner formed Under Cover Caterers with clients such as CU, IBM and many weddings and private parties. Her sandwich shop and catering business was located next door to an auto parts store where she met Bob Rush. They were married in 1985. In 1993 they moved to Burlington. Ann then took a temporary job at the hospital. She started as ward clerk and 15 years later retired as director of the specialty clinic. She is survived by Bob and children Christopher (Melissa), of Glenwood Springs, Sarah (Michael) of Burlington and David (Rebecca) of Dubai, UAE , brother Leon Spangler (Alohma) of Washington State and seven grandchildren. Preceded in death by her sister Carol Phelps and brother Stanley Spangler. Today was bittersweet. We lost a wonderful lady who was a big part of our family for the last thirty years. We will always love you Ann and will miss you every day. We are also thankful your pain is gone and you are in a better place. Thank you for being our other mother, a wonderful wife to our father, a sweet, sweet grandmother to our children and one of our best friends. The family especially wants to thank the staff at Caring Hands Hospice KCCHSD. They are truly compassionate, caring and knowledgeable. The help they provided to Ann and the family at a difficult time has helped greatly to guide us. Thanks also to Dr. Hoppe and everyone at Grace Manor for their kindness and the care she received. There will be no services held at this time.