David L. Rush

David Lee Rush, age 84 of Cecil, Ohio, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 at CHP Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

David was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on December 31, 1938 to Erwin and Margaret (Bienz) Rush. He was a graduate of Paulding High School. In 1950 his parents moved him and his little brother Steve to Cecil, Ohio to purchase the Vagabond Village Restaurant. It was David's job that when he got off the school bus, to go to the restaurant to make donuts and set up and play western movies for the customers. During the years there he loved to cook and make his special recipes for his customers, especially Vidalia Onion Soup, Creamed Chicken and Biscuits and every Thanksgiving his Homemade Dressing.

Eventually one of the waitresses caught his eye, Illa Jeanne Kretzer. He would also go watch her playing drums in the school band. They were married in February of 1958 and together they ran the restaurant for the next 65 years only fully retiring six months ago. They were avid travelers, going to Egypt, three African Safaris and many European countries. They went on 15 different cruises, seeing the world together. In the early years David loved to snowmobile with his friends and family. His favorite sport was fishing, especially at his cabin in Northern Wisconsin.

Together they had three children, Lynette (Steven) Beardsley, Brent (Michelle) Rush and Heather (Wesley) Moats, six grandchildren, Shane Beardsley, Derek Beardsley, Noah Rush, Emily Rush, Colin Moats and Olivia Moats, and four great-grandchildren, Allison, Addalyn, Wyatt and Dean.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Steven.
  
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 24, 2023 from 1:00 -3:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance. A funeral service will follow at 3:00 pm with Pastor Marcella Ciccotelli officiating. Burial will follow the service at Sherwood Cemetery. 
   
Memorials are suggested to CHP Defiance Area Hospice Center. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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