Rush Studinski

Rush Ball Studinski, affectionately known as double-ugly, passed away at the age of 87 on June 1, 2017. He was born in Pueblo, Colorado on March 7, 1930, to Clarence Roy Studinski (whose father built the third building in Pueblo, Colorado) and Josie Ball Studinski (a proud descendent of Martha Ball Washington's family, George Washington's wife). He graduated from high school in Pueblo, Colorado.

He joined the US Air Force, at the age of 18, in 1948 and served his country for four years at bases in Texas and Michigan. On August 19, 1952, he married the love of his life, Nancy Lee Speed. They shared the adventures of life together for almost 65 years. He attended the University of Colorado Boulder and received his Bachelor of Science in Business. Rush worked for Martin Marietta his entire career, serving on many space vehicle R&D teams as their Contract Administrator and working on projects, such as the Titan III Launch System, the Solar Simulator, the Viking Project, the Space Shuttle program. This work for Martin Marietta led to adventures in Colorado, New England, Louisiana, and California. His four children will always remember the many camping trips into the Colorado mountains, travel adventures to many places in the USA and Canada, fishing, home-made Sunday breakfasts, bar-b-ques, fresh food from the garden, games, and spending time together.

Rush loved to make people laugh. His jokes and warmth touched everyone he met. He loved history, gardening, and making beautiful things from wood. He made many hand-hooked rugs and needle point gifts to share with family and friends. He loved helping Nancy with her quilting projects. He volunteered and participated in many organizations such as model airplane clubs, public libraries, quilting clubs, local churches, the Masonic Service Association, the Order of Eastern Star, DeMolay International, Boy Scouts of America, and many more.

Rush was predeceased by his parents, half-brother Clarence Studinski Jr. of Aurora Colorado, and half-sister Jo Huggins of Austin Texas. He was and is cherished by his children Roy and wife Barbie, Wendy, Becky and husband Mike, and Donald. He was blessed with thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. He will be missed by family, close friends, and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers, Nancy asks that you make memorial donations to www.gofundme.com/a-thanksgiving-to-remember to support this food-for-the-needy program, which was one of Rush's favorite charities, or donations to your favorite charity in honor of Rush's legacy. For information about reaching his wife Nancy, please contact Peters Funeral Home 903-455-3310. Cards and photos would be appreciated.