In loving memory of Lorrie Patricia Rushing: 1956-2021

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Lorrie Patricia Rushing, 65, lifelong resident of Ridgefield, Washington, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021, at Legacy Hospital in Vancouver, Washington. She was born on Dec. 22, 1956, in Vancouver, Washington, to William and Mary Bochart, the second child of four siblings. Lorrie attended Ridgefield School District, played volleyball, was in FFA, was president of Girls League and was an extremely active cheerleader during numerous sport seasons. Lorrie was a devout Ridgefield Spudder, and in time, proudly raised four sweet little spuds along the way: Jim, Sam, Bill and Adam. 

Lorrie met her husband Dan at VIP’s Restaurant over the coffee counter. They were married April 8, 1978, and together for 43 years, providing a wonderful home for their sons. Lorrie’s work life started at a very young age as a farm worker picking berries and beans, then during high school she became a very efficient waitress at VIP’s, Ron’s Century House and Graham’s Bakery in Hazel Dell. Lorrie’s next job involved constructing mobile homes for Barrington- Fleetwood in Woodland, Washington, where she became highly skilled in molding application and final finish. Soon, Lorrie became a loving and devoted homemaker, wife and mother who also found a way to juggle work at the Ridgefield Post Office for a year and a half. The next change of employment was a blessing and a triumph. Lorrie became an educator at Ridgefield School District as a reading specialist, changing the lives of hundreds of children. For many years, she also dedicated herself to serve as the Ridgefield Classified Association co-president protecting employee rights and working conditions. Another highly significant contribution in Lorrie’s professional life was serving the Ridgefield community as coordinator of the Cispus Environmental Outdoor School program for eight years. Not only did she organize and perform all technological responsibilities of the program, Lorrie also conducted the intense training of high school counselors and chaperones for Cispus week. After 28-plus years of service to Ridgefield fiSchools, Lorrie retired, finally earning a well-deserved rest and time for hobbies. Lorrie was an avid reader, a collector of children’s books and she crocheted intricate doilies and lace and designed and created beautiful jewelry. She had an incredibly green thumb and flowers were her greatest joy. Lorrie is survived by her husband, Dan; children, James (Kelcey) Rushing, Samuel Rushing, William Rushing, Adam (Ashley) Rushing; mother, Mary Bochart; siblings, Jeff (Adrian) Bochart, Michael (Andrea), Judy Bochart; grandchildren, Sage and Sawyer; nine nieces; 25 nephews, and too-many-to-count grandnieces and nephews. 

Lorrie was preceded in death by her father, William Bochart. flIn lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Lorrie’s chosen charity. Please share a memory at lorrierushingmemorial@gmail. com. 

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022, at St. John Lutheran Church in Hazel Dell, Washington. Pastor Brian fiLarson officiated.