Barbara Tush's Obituary
Barbara Ann Tush passed peacefully on July 10, 2026, at the age of 88. She was born March 29, 1938, in Kansas City, Kansas, to Pete and Helen Davis. She passed away with her husband, Gerald, by her side and surrounded by the love of her family. Her life was shaped by faith, family, generosity and enduring friendships. Barbara grew up in Kansas City, Kansas.
Barbara graduated from Turner High School in 1956. Just a few weeks later, on June 16, 1956, she married the love of her life, Gerald Ronald Tush, at Turner Baptist Church in Kansas City, Kansas. This year they celebrated an extraordinary milestone - 70 years of marriage. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, faith and countless cherished memories.
Together, Barbara and Gerald raised four children: Mike Tush (Sandy), Terry Tush (Jatonne), Sharon Tush (Patti), and Jeff Tush (Lisa). Gerald's career in the oil and gas industry took the family from Kansas City to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in 1977, and Fort Worth, Texas for a few years, before they eventually settled in the Tulsa, Oklahoma, area to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Most recently, they made their home in Montrose, Colorado.
Barbara dedicated much of her professional life to working in the financial industry, with positions at Colgate-Palmolive Credit Union, State Federal Savings and Loan, Oklahoma Central Credit Union, and Tulsa Teachers Credit Union. People who worked with her knew her as being dependable, kind, willing to help and dedicated to serving others.
More than anything, Barbara treasured her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gerald; her four children; seven grandchildren: Jessie (Mike) Lisenbee, Macy Tush, Tayler Tush, Tyler (Tara) Tush, Kaylie Tush, Cooper Tush, and Tanner Tush; and her great-granddaughter, Cora Lisenbee.
Barbara enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. She and Gerald made numerous trips to Arizona to spend time with Jeff & Lisa’s 3 children and make sure they knew they were loved by their Tush grandparents. Her grandchildren remember playing games, shopping, having Grandma and Grandpa at many of their activities like recitals, graduations, and sporting events, hunting easter eggs and celebrating numerous events and holidays together. Becoming a great-grandmother brought Barbara tremendous joy. She and Gerald were grateful to meet Cora before they moved to Colorado.
Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Pete Davis and Helen Davis/Sherrill/Woodruff.
Barbara liked having people in her home and making everyone feel welcome. No matter where life took them, she and Gerald hoped family and friends would visit. And when they did, Barbara paid attention to the details. Holidays and special occasions often included beautifully decorated tables, good meals, conversation, and the feeling that guests had been expected and made welcome. Their home was a place of warmth, laughter and hospitality. Barbara and Gerald also spent a lot of time enjoying the beauty of their backyard, always filled with beautiful
flowers, cardinals and hummingbirds. She and Gerald loved dogs, and they always had a family pet throughout the years.
Barbara maintained lifelong friendships over the years. She remained close to her "Unique 10" girlfriends, a group of friends from her elementary school years in Turner. She also maintained treasured relationships with former neighbors, church friends, and coworkers throughout her life.
Barbara was raised in the church, and her faith remained an important part of her life. She shared musical talents by playing both piano and organ at Oakland Park Baptist Church for several years, and Gerald was the Music Director. Following their move to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma they became long time members at Arrow Heights Baptist Church. As a devoted wife and mother, Barbara supported her children through countless sporting events, church activities, and family milestones. She also enjoyed traveling when she could, including trips with dear friends over the years. During visits with friends and family, whether gathered around their table or away on trips, Barbara and Gerald loved playing games together. Over the years, favorites included Marbles, Monopoly, Play Nine, Skip-Bo, Family Feud, and outdoor lawn games.
In later years, Barbara and Gerald opened their home once again, welcoming two of their grandchildren to live with them while they attended college and prepared for what came next. Their generosity, encouragement and unwavering support reflected the love they had for their family.
Barbara and Gerald often expressed how grateful they were for their life together and the many blessings in their lives – their marriage, their children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter. Barbara’s legacy is one of faith, love, hospitality, and deep devotion to those she held dear. She will be remembered for the home they built, the friendships she kept and the steady love she had for her family.
The family is very grateful to the Ferris Hospice Care Center – HopeWest staff, volunteers and caregivers who showed compassion and provided excellent care.
Barbara will be deeply missed by the people who knew and loved her.
The family will have a Celebration of Life, at Floral Haven in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to be held at a future date.
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