Patricia ‘Pat’ Lewis Paynter Rush

Patricia “Pat” Lewis Paynter Rush, known for her service in many civic endeavors including 14 years as a member of Oak Ridge City Council, died Wednesday, Jan. 23, at Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge following a short illness. She was 82.

Born Feb. 24, 1930, in Middlesboro, Ky., she was the daughter of Walker Burton and Helen Lewis Paynter, both now deceased. She graduated from Hollins College in Roanoke, Va., in 1952, with a bachelor of science degree in physics. She met her future husband, Richard M. Rush, while working as a laboratory assistant to his aunt at the University of Virginia. She and Mr. Rush were married on June 25, 1955, and moved to Oak Ridge shortly thereafter. Mr. Rush, a former member of the Oak Ridge Board of Education, died in 1996.

Mrs. Rush became very involved in Oak Ridge activities as a civic leader and volunteer. Soon after moving here she joined the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association Chorus and the choir at First Presbyterian Church and continued singing with both groups for many years. She also served as a member of the church session from 1981 to 1983, and on the board of directors of the Oak Ridge Civic Music Association.

In 1979, she joined Altrusa International, serving the local organization as president in 1984 and 1985 and also as District Four treasurer from 1989 to 1991.

Mrs. Rush’s proudest civic accomplishment, the family said, was being elected to City Council in 1987 and serving for 14 years. She had also been a member of numerous organizations and boards.

For the past six years, she had been a resident of Greenfield of Oak Ridge, where the family said she thoroughly enjoyed her time, making new friends and playing bridge.

The absolute love of her life was her only grandchild, Emily Lewis Jenkins of Oak Ridge, who survives her. Mrs. Rush is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Helen Lewis and Jimmy Jenkins of Oak Ridge; and her son and daughter-in-law, John and Laurie Thompson Rush, who live on a horse farm in Walland; her brother, Walker Burton Paynter Jr. of Morristown; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Ali Swofford and Connie Larimer were considered special friends.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Methodist Medical Center for the loving care they gave Mrs. Rush during the last two weeks.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at First Presbyterian Church in Oak Ridge. The funeral will start at 2 p.m. Saturday with the Reverend Sharon Youngs officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park.

The family requests that any memorials be in the form of gifts to Altrusa International of Oak Ridge, P.O. Box 5763, Oak Ridge, TN 37831-5763; or to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 6106, Oak Ridge, TN 37831.