“Here I am Lord, It is I Lord, You have called & I have heard.”

Phyllis Eileen Bush, age 98, of New Rockford, ND, took the Lords hand on January 15, 2018.

Eileen was born in Reinbeck, Iowa on August 30, 1919, the daughter of Anna Bernice (Jans) and Levi Henry Wilson Flickinger. She moved to North Dakota as a young child, living the country farm life with her 2 brothers and 2 sisters.  Eileen attended Colgate Country School, graduating in 1937.

At seventeen she entered St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing, graduating as an RN in 1940.  Nursing took her to New Rockford “City Hospital” with the Sisters.  Nursing was a very important and proud part of Eileen’s life.  Once a nurse, always a nurse.

She met Edward P. Bush, joined the Catholic Church and married Edward in St. John’s Catholic Church on April 9, 1943, together for 52 years.  After moving several times with Edwards surveying jobs, they settled and raised 7 children, plus 2 foster children in New Rockford.  Eileen was active with Catholic Education, St. John’s Catholic Church, Prayer Group, American Legion Auxiliary, Senior Center, sewing, reading…many activities to keep her active.

After being reunited with an old childhood friend, at 84 years old she married Kenneth Rickel.  They enjoyed sharing their lives together until his passing.

Remaining in her home she left a message…Thank you Lord for all the blessings, all the good times, and happiness in our lives.  I can never repay God for all he has done for me.  All he wants from us is our love and gratitude, and to share the good news of His mercy and love. 

Your Mom & Grandmother,

Eileen

  I love you all!

Eileen is survived by one sister, Nadine (Wayne) Cole; 4 daughters, Sharon (Jim) Thomson, Donna (Paul) Wilson, Teresa (Gene) Weigel, Paula Jensen; and 1 son Mike (Ruth) Bush; 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and L. H. Wilson Flickinger; her sister Verona Flickinger; brothers Gerald and Leonard Flickinger; husband, Edward P. Bush; 2nd husband, Kenneth Rickel; 2 sons E. James Bush and Daniel Bush; two grandchildren, Stephanie and Lee; and one great grandchild.

ROSARY & PRAYER SERVICE:

Sun., Jan. 21, 2018, Rosary at 6:30 & Prayer Service at 7:00PM

FUNERAL SERVICE:

Monday, January 22, 2018 at 1:00PM in St. John's Catholic Church, New Rockford, ND

BURIAL:

St. John's Catholic Cemetery, New Rockford