Joan (Phillips) Waugh Bush

Our dear mother, Joan Bush, sadly passed away on October 16, 2022, at the age of 90. She lived a long and full life. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her. She was very loved and will be missed terribly.

Joan was born on June 11, 1932, in New Boston, Ohio to parents Melvin and Blanche (Finn) Phillips. The family moved to Wellston, Ohio when she was two. Joan was a graduate of Wellston High School in 1950. She loved her high school years, being a cheerleader and majorette. A highlight for Joan was writing the class song. Soon after graduation, Joan married Walter E. Waugh and moved to Cincinnati for 17 years. She had two children: Brenda and Amy. Joan devoted all her time caring for her family. They moved to Jackson Ohio in 1971. Joan and Brenda opened a clothing store, “Jo Ann’s Dress Shoppe & Merle Norman Studio.” This fulfilled her dream of owning her own business.

Joan had a breakfast talk show on WKOV with Lou Davis. She also worked at the Jackson County Health Department. After 30 wonderful years of marriage, Walter passed away in 1982. Joan was introduced to a friend of the family, Willis Bush, and they married in 1988. Joan and Willis lived in London and Marysville, Ohio. After Willis retired from Honda, they returned to Jackson to be with her beloved mother and sisters. In 2016, Joan and Willis moved to Grove City, Ohio to be closer to her family.

She loved traveling, trips to the beach and family get togethers. Joan lived a happy life and was very thankful for all the blessings she received.

She will be deeply missed by all the surviving family; daughters: Brenda (Dan) Anderson Grove City, Amy Waugh (Allen) Hawkins Raleigh, NC; stepson, Eric Bush; stepdaughter, Andrea Bush; grandsons: Justin (Ann) Metzler, Hunter Hawkins, Kyle Bush and Dalton Watson; granddaughter’s: Lindsay (Rob) Kelly, Haley Hawkins, Gabrielle Bush and Casey Watson;  great-grandchildren: Lexi and Reece Kelly, Preston and Aiden Metzler and Kiana Butts. Joan was preceded in death by her two loving and devoted husbands: Walter E. (Wig) Waugh (30 yrs.), Willis C. Bush (30 yrs.); parents: Melvin and Blanche (Finn) Phillips; sisters: Louella Jones, Mona Jane Reynolds, and Donna Jean Phillips; brothers-in-law: Gerald “Buddy” Jones and John Reynolds.

Joan was the best mom, grandma, great-grandma, wife, sister, and dear friend anyone could ask for. A family “Celebration of Life” memorial will be held on Sunday, November 6, 2022. As an expression of sympathy for Joan Bush, a memorial donation may be made to the Kobacker House, Ohio Health Hospice Foundation, 3430 OhioHealth Pkwy. Columbus, Ohio 43202-9928.