Evelyn A. Rusch, 80, Amherst, passed away Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009, under hospice care at Whispering Pines in Plover.

Evelyn was born July 25, 1929, in the town of Lanark, Portage County, the daughter of the late Joseph and Johanna Sopa. On Oct. 22, 1951, she married Frank Rusch at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church.

After marriage, Evelyn and Frank farmed in the town of Buena Vista for many years. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church and a member of the Rosary Society.

Evelyn took great pride in keeping up their lawn, her flowers and garden, and especially spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children, Jack (Marjorie) Rusch, Amherst, Dan (Jean Ann) Rusch, Plover, and Lori (Joe) Gendusa, Amherst; her six grandchildren, Jessica Rusch, Sally Rusch, Ryan Rusch, Robby Rusch, Eric Gendusa and Chelsea Gendusa; her sisters, Emily (Ben) Rashka and Lucy (Art) Baldewicz, both of West Allis, Jeanette Patoka, Amherst, and Chesterine Dombrowski, Milwaukee; and her brothers, Henry Sopa, Stevens Point, and Leonard (Grace) Sopa, Milwaukee. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Frank, on April 15, 2007; and three brothers, Edwin, Bernard and Zigmond.

The funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church with the Rev. Max Ssekiwala and the Rev. Robert Pedretti concelebrating. Interment will be in the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass Saturday at the church.

Jungers-Holly Funeral Home in Amherst is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Evelyn's name to benefit others receiving hospice care services.