Mary E. Ruschill, 90, of Mt. Pleasant, died Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the Henry County Health Center in Mt. Pleasant.
Mrs. Ruschill, the former Mary Ellen Riley, was born July 11, 1935 in Glasgow, Iowa. She was the daughter of John Wilbur and Frances (Messer) Riley. She attended school in Denmark, IA and graduated from Denmark High School as a member of the Class of 1953. On September 5, 1953 at the Methodist Parsonage, Mary was united in marriage to James “Jim” Frederick Ruschill. Mr. Ruschill died Monday, June 17, 2013 at the Pleasant Manor Care Center in Mt. Pleasant.
Mary worked at Sylvania in Burlington for a few years following her marriage. After they started their family, Mary took on the role of a stay at-home mom to raise their family. Mary did some painting and wall paper hanging on the side, as well as doing the same for her husband Jim’s construction business, Ruschill Construction. For a time, she also kept the books for the construction company.
While living around the Lowell, IA area, Mary was a member of and taught Sunday School at the Lowell Baptist Church. After their move to Mt. Pleasant, Mary and Jim became members of the First United Methodist Church.
Mary was an extremely talented quilter. She loved to bake and cook as well. She enjoyed eating out with her “Once a Month Lunch Bunch”. Mary spent many enjoyable hours playing cards with friends. She gave of herself often, volunteering at nursing homes, the Oakland Mills Nature Center and the Quarter Maybe More Store.
Those thankful for sharing in Mary’s life include her children and spouses, Jeffrey & Cathy Ruschill of Mt. Pleasant, Sue & John Lambert of Burlington, Robin & Brent Lehman of New London, and Jerry & Kendra Ruschill of Mt. Pleasant; 12 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, several great grandchildren, step great grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Mary Riley and Deloris Ruschill, both of Mt. Pleasant and brother-in-law Gary Yaley of Danville.
Her parents, husband and 2 brothers – John Riley, Jr. and Kenneth Riley precede Mary in death.
Friends may call from 12 Noon to 7PM on Wednesday, January 7 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will not be present at that time, but will receive friends from 10-11 AM on Thursday at the church.
A funeral service for Mary will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 8 at the First United Methodist Church, 309 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The Rev. Court Fischer, Senior Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Home Cemetery, Mt. Pleasant.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the Oakland Mills Nature Center or The Fellowship Cup.
Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com
