Phillip Rushing
Phillip Robert Rushing departed this life on Nov. 12, 2016, at the age of 62 with his family by his side. Although we mourn his death, we celebrate his life.
Phil was born on a cold snowy January day to Leo and Lyta Rushing at the old City Hospital in Tahlequah. His parents were lifelong educators employed by Stigler Public Schools. There were no two people more beloved or respected than Leo and Lyta.
Phil completed 12 years of public school in Stigler and graduated in 1972. He was a well-loved and valued member of a very close-knit class. He then attended Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. From there, he attended the University of Oklahoma where he completed his bachelor of science and his doctorate of pharmacy degree. In addition to being a pharmacist and pharmacy owner, he also contributed to several pharmacy text books which are still in use today.
Phil enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, camping and floating the Illinois and Mulberry rivers, sailing, scuba diving, snow skiing, water skiing and last but not least, watching OU football were also among his favorite hobbies. He loved the farm life, always enjoyed farming cattle, riding horses and making a garden.
Phil is survived by his sister Gina Ravnaas and her husband Bob of Ft. Worth, Texas, his sister Cindy Hodges and her husband Chad of Coweta, his aunt Vera Jerson of Parkhill, and his cousin Todd McConnell and wife Erin of Mission Viejo, Calif., along with nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
We will miss Phil’s calm, guiding wisdom, his unconditional friendship and abundant love for his family and many friends.
Private family graveside service will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17 at Stigler City Cemetery. Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17 at First United Methodist Church in Stigler.
Pallbearers will be Sam Rose, Danny Jones, Steve Wilkie, Bill Cox, Logan Satterfield and Billy “Bugs” Clay.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Ravnaas, Davis Ravnaas, Rand Ravnaas, Chad Hodges, Rush Hodges and Todd McConnell.