Leota Mae Rusher, 85, of Lomax, Illinois, died at 1:50 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst, Illinois.
Leota was born October 23, 1940 in Lomax, the daughter of Harry and Elva Woods Sutton. Leota married Kenneth Rusher Sr. on June 14, 1958 in Lomax. He preceded her in death on June 25, 2019.
Mrs. Rusher grew up in the Lomax area, after their marriage the couple moved to Monmouth. They later lived in Gerlaw, Illinois, Oquawka, Illinois and then Louisiana, Missouri. They returned to Lomax following their retirement.
She worked for Sutton & Sons Disposal in Louisiana, Missouri and Dura Automotive Systems in Hannibal, Missouri. Her most important role however, was raising her children and helping to care for her grandchildren. Leota will be remembered for her family dinners and especially her homemade chicken noodles. She was a member of the Lighthouse Church in Lomax.
Surviving are two children: Jeff (Shari) Rusher of Macomb, Illinois and Tina (Stan) Carley of Galesburg, Illinois; 15 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; one sister, Janice (Ron) Myers of Dallas City, Illinois and two sisters-in-law: Elizabeth Sutton and Pauline Sutton, both of Lomax.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two sons: Steven Rusher and Kenneth Dean Rusher Jr., two daughters: Vicky Diane Rusher and Barb Floyd; one grandson: Brady Bennett, one sister: Phyllis Judd, and five brothers: Donald, Arthur, Dale, Clarence and Roger Sutton.
The family will receive friends 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Dallas City.
Leota’s funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Crane Cemetery near Lomax, Illinois with Brad Rusher officiating.
A memorial fund has been established for the Lighthouse Church in Lomax.