Mary Bush, 84, of San Antonio, TX, peacefully passed away on January 17, 2022 surrounded by loved ones, after a difficult battle with dementia.

Mary was born on January 31, 1937 to Virgie and Lester Rice in the city of Caddo, Oklahoma. She was the third child of six and the oldest daughter. Mary graduated from  El Paso High.  Mary met her future husband, William Allen Bush, who was stationed at Fort Bliss,  in El Paso, Texas.  Allen was playing cards at her older brother's house and they quickly fell in love. They decided to elope to Deming, New Mexico where she could marry at the age of 17. Mary checked her younger sister, Jane, out of school to attend, November 4, 1954. Mary entered the life of the military, supporting the up and coming officer, Allen.

Mary and Allen had two children, Joanna Lynn Bush born in El Paso and David Allen Bush born in Heidelberg, Germany. They were stationed in Germany for three years, then Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Washington State. Allen was next stationed in Viet Nam for 13 months. Mary assumed all duties for the children and household. She was supported by her sister Jane and her husband, Lee McDowell as well as brother Clifton and his wife, Irene. Mary was a devoted wife and mother. Each location the family was transferred to, Mary committed to being an officer's wife and lovingly immersed herself in activities to support her children. She was involved in all aspects of her children's life including : Scouting, booster clubs, theater, homeroom mother and much more. Mary was very talented drawing, painting, quilting, sewing  and taught herself to play the guitar. In Arizona, she was able to pursue her life long love of horses. The family had a gelding , Joe and a mare, Flitter. Mary would get her children ready for school, preparing breakfast and then headed to the stables to feed, curry and ride our horses. It was physically demanding work but she would then head home to cook and  take care of household duties. And of course, she would don a hat and fancy outfit to attend the Officer Wives functions. It is hard to describe the many traits and attributes she possessed. She was artistic, physically strong and the most loving to her family. She never hesitated to  rearrange every piece of living room furniture. Many times David and Lynn would come home from school and weren't sure if they had entered the right house. Later after Allen retired and had moved to Allen's family farm in Mississippi, she pursued and assisted in designing a home and putting up fences for her beloved horses. She would earn the nickname, Pitchfork Mary, from a friend who was continually amazed at what she would tackle.had time to pursue her love of [ho bbies / interests].

Mary was predeceased by [list oSf family members who have passed away]. She is survived by [list of family members who are still alive]. Services will be held at [location] on [date] at [time]. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to [organization or name of fund].