Mary Florence Grush

Mary Florence Grush, age 88, of Kilgore, Texas passed away peacefully on January 28, 2026 surrounded by members of her loving family. Mary was born on February 18, 1937 in Kilgore, Texas. She graduated from Kilgore High School and Kilgore College where she was KC Rangerette for a short time prior to being a cheerleader for two years. She met and married her husband, Al, and they were happily married for 68 years. After Mary and Al raised five children, she began a career and worked in the Registrar's Office at Kilgore High School. She left Kilgore High School and continued her career at Kilgore College where she worked in several positions until she retired as secretary to the President of the College at that time.

Mary was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church and was one of the church's longest living members. She sang in the church choir, was a catechist, and served as Director of Religious Ed for nine years. She was also a member of the Ladies Altar Society. Mary also served as a team member for the Women's ACTS Retreats with St. Matthew Catholic Church in Longview, Texas which she truly loved. She was also a member of the Kilgore Church Women.

Mary was very passionate about her faith and loved sharing it with others. Her family was everything to her and she was very proud of each and every one of them down to the great-grandchildren and their many accomplishments. She loved music and loved to sing, she was a friend to all and never met a stranger. and she was always quick to help anyone in need. Mary led life zealously but most importantly, she lived her life for God.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Marvin E. and Genevieve F. Zoller, her brother, John H. Zoller, sisters, Jeanne Zoller Nicholson and Sandra Zoller O'Rosky.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Alfred H. Grush, Jr., her children, Mary Grush Russo, Lori Grush Jones and husband Manny Hernandez, Alfred H. Grush, III, Anthony Grush and wife Mary, and Andrew Grush, eight grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Rosary will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, Texas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1407 Broadway, Kilgore, Texas. Interment of Ashes will follow at a later date at St. Matthew Catholic Church's Memorial Prayer Garden & Columbarium Triquetra in Longview, Texas.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Mary’s home nurse, Kim, and aid Patricia, of Heaven Sent; the nurses, aids, and staff of Hospice of East Texas as well as all of the personnel at Arabella of Kilgore. The exceptional care and love that they gave to Mary is immeasurable. They will all forever hold a special place in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Building Fund at Christ the King Catholic Church, c/o Father John Henao or the Alzheimer's Association.