Suzanne Rush

Suzanne Smith Rush, 67, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, in Lometa, Texas.  Born on April 25, 1957, in Lockhart, Texas, to Desmond Keller Smith and Evelyn Moore Smith.  Suzanne was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Her deep faith, love for family, and commitment to education touched the lives of many.

Suzanne spent her early years in Austin and Odessa before moving to Fort Worth and Round Rock as a teenager.  During her time in Fort Worth, she was an active member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Youth Group, where she built lasting friendships and deepened her faith.  She remained connected to her faith throughout her life, and her involvement in church activities was a significant part of who she was.  

A proud graduate of Round Rock High School in 1975, Suzanne was involved in numerous activities, including the yearbook team, the tennis team, YoungLife ministries, and the cappella choir.  She was also named Junior Class Track Queen, reflecting her spirit and involvement in school life.

Suzanne attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary and secondary education in 1979.  She later pursued a Master of Education degree in Counseling from Tarleton State University in 2006, demonstrating her lifelong passion for learning and dedication to helping others.  During her time at TCU, she was an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority, serving as House President and Vice President of Operations.  She also participated in mission work, served in the House of Representatives for the TCU student body, and worked as a camp counselor at Camp Kickapoo for Girls in Kerrville, Texas.

Her career as an educator began in the fall of 1980 with Georgetown Independent School District, where she taught elementary school for seven years.  Suzanne also owned and directed Gingham Goose, a Christian preschool in Georgetown.  In 1993, she moved with her family to Lampasas to be closer to her parents and returned to the classroom.  Suzanne served as a classroom teacher, resource teacher, counselor, vice principal, and principal in districts across Georgetown, Lampasas, Copperas Cove, Killeen, Goldthwaite, and Mullin.  She retired in 2018 after a distinguished 32-year career, having touched countless lives through her dedication and compassion.  She was a proud member of the Lampasas County Retired Teachers Association.  Additionally, she owned and directed Angel's Ark Christian School in Lampasas, TX.  Suzanne also taught collegiate courses at Central Texas College in Killeen, sharing her love of education with future generations of teachers.

Suzanne was deeply involved in her community and numerous charitable organizations.  She was President of the Colorado River Texas Cattlewomen's Association in the 1990s and a member of the Southwest Cattle Raisers Association.  A proud steward of her family's legacy, she was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a charter member of the Oran Milo Roberts Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.  Suzanne also served on the Lampasas County Dam Board and was a member of the Thursday Luncheon Club and the Lampasas County YoungLife ministry board.  She was also a foster parent, providing care and support to children in need.  Her faith guided her throughout her life, and she was always willing to serve others in your community.

In addition to her professional and community accomplishments, Suzanne led a full and vibrant personal life.  She was crowned Miss Round Rock in 1974 and Miss Fort Worth USA in 1976, and she competed in the Miss Texas USA Pageant in El Paso, Texas.  She was also a model for the John Robert Powers Agency, showcasing her grace and beauty in various modeling opportunities.  Suzanne enjoyed traveling and was an EF Tour Guide to France and Great Britain, sharing her love of culture and history with others.

Suzanne married Michael Thomas Rush in 2013 in Lampasas, Texas, and together they shared 11 wonderful years of marriage.  She found joy in walking her hound dogs, entertaining family and friends, scrapbooking, singing, and sharing God's word.  Suzanne was a passionate traveler and loved exploring new places, always looking for ways to give back to others.

Suzanne was preceded in death by her parents, Desmond Keller Smith and Evelyn Moore Smith, her paternal grandparents, William Edgar Smith and Clara Mae Williams Smith and her maternal grandparents, William Claude Moore and Minnie Lively Moore.

Suzanne is survived by her spouse Michael of Lampasas, Texas; her daughters, Karley Anne Goen of Tolar, Texas, Morgan Bree Goen Kaldis (Andrew) of Cold Springs, Texas; and son, Burton William Rawson Goen (Angela) of Heidenheimer, Texas; her sister, Sharon Smith Smith (Ronnie) of Waco, Texas; her grandchildren, Burton Desmond Rawson Goen and Andrew Mark Kaldis II and her nephews, Nathan Edward Smith and Samuel Keller Smith (Heather).  Suzanne's love and generosity left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and all who knew her.

A visitation will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel, located at 201 East Third Street in Lampasas, Texas, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Monday, September 9, 2024.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel with burial to follow at Naruna Cemetery, Burnet County, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Naruna Cemetery Association, the Naruna Baptist Church, or the Lampasas County YoungLife ministry.

Naruna Cemetery Association - c/o Mrs. Betty Skinner, 1908 Yellowstone Dr., Lampasas, TX, 76550

Naruna Baptist Church - c/o Sharon Stockman, PO Box 948, Lampasas, TX, 76550

Lampasas County YoungLife - PO Box 1494, Lampasas, TX, 76550