Virgil Floyd "Tuffy" Rush

Pratt – Virgil Floyd “Tuffy” Rush, 94, loving husband, father, grandfather, Great-grandfather, and friend, died Sunday, April 28, 2024, at his home in Pratt, Kansas. Tuffy as he was known, was born September 16, 1929, in Protection, Kansas, the son of Jay and Minnie Olive (Vanwey) Rush.  He was raised from age 12 by June and Earl Christopher. Tuffy graduated from Protection High School in 1947, and immediately enlisted in the United States Army, spending most of his time in North Korea. His final few months in the service were spent in Japan.

On May 24, 1950, Virgil married Helen Todd. They raised one son, Larry Rush and two daughters, Linda and Brenda. After Helen’s death, Tuffy married Mildred Rush on December 20, 2003. Millie preceded him in death. 

Virgil was always working hard. He started farming during high school and worked for five years at the Coop, hauling gas and propane. He then worked at ANR Pipeline, where he retired in 1991, after 31 years of service. He continued to volunteer in the Greensburg community well after his retirement at the Kiowa County Senior Center, the Kiowa County Volunteer Fire Department, and for his neighbors, and at the Pratt Senior Center after he and Millie moved to Pratt after the tornado in 2007. Tuffy was a member of the V.F.W. in Greensburg and Pratt. He loved to fish, camp, play cards – especially pitch - and spend time with his family and friends.

Tuffy is survived by his two daughters, Linda Roberts and Brenda Stegman, both of Pratt; one sister Audean Sherrid of California; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Larry Rush, wives Helen and Millie, two brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services and Celebration of Tuffy’s life will be 1:30 pm, Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Pratt Friends Church, Pratt, Kansas with Pastor Mike Neifert and Pastor Keith Dellenbach presiding. Friends may call from 5:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, May 3, 2024, at the church. Burial will follow the funeral at 3:00 pm, Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Fairview Cemetery, Greensburg, Kansas. Memorials are suggested to Pratt Senior Center and Pratt Friends Church in care of Fleener Funeral Home, PO Box 41, Greensburg, KS 67054.