After suffering multiple health problems for many years, our beloved Mom and Dad are finally at peace. Mom left us on 10/19/23; our heart-broken Dad followed her three months later on 1/21/24. They were both 75 years old.
Joanne was born in Bethesda, MD on 2/14/1948 to Louise Rott Rushing & David Edward Rushing. She graduated from Skyline High School and the University of Utah. She spent the majority of her career as a legal assistant for the federal government, but found her passion working at the library after her early retirement. She was known for her stubbornness and kooky yet hilarious observations of the world. She had the gift of gab and was the life of every party! She was a constant source of unconditional love and support to her children and grandchildren. She loved books, movies and spending time with family.
Dennis was born in SLC on 3/10/1948 to Ellen Venstra Darke & Leslie Martin Darke. He graduated from South High School. He spent his career as an electrician for the Union Pacific Railroad, and also served his country in the Utah Air National Guard 151ARW part-time for 18 years. He was proud to be an expert marksman. Known for his quiet demeanor, he was a good man and a loving father and grandfather. He was a hard worker, always ready to lend a hand. He was fiercely devoted to our family, especially our Mom. He enjoyed bowling, old Westerns and big band music.
Mom & Dad were smitten with one another from the day they met; it is only fitting that they departed this life so close together. They will be missed, but we are grateful their suffering is finally over.
They are survived by their children and their spouses, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and their families, as well as many extended family members.
A special thanks to members of their healthcare teams, especially Dr. Kate Wilson and Dr. Stephen Aslami; as well as Canyon Hospice for their care of Mom. Also, we express our gratitude to their amazing neighbors for their tremendous generosity. It meant so much to them and we can’t thank you enough!
Per their request, there will be no formal services. Donations to the Kidney Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, or the American Cancer Society are appreciated. Goodbye Mom and Dad; you will always be in our hearts!
I will always be grateful that I crossed paths with Joanne. We both entered a fun "clutter contest" sponsored by the Salt Lake Tribune and were chosen as finalists together. Then we discovered that we had many things in common. We both loved reading and movies, and both weren't the best at not gathering clutter around out houses. Over the years, we enjoyed the occasional lunch together and discovered we both lived near to each other in Cottonwood Heights. I still remember many fun and humorous things that she said to me. Later on, we both worked at the Whitmore Library together. I thought she was such a fun, delightful and upbeat person. She told me how she met your Dad at the Greek Festival and how much she loved him. While she was a legal assistant, she worked with a neighbor of mine, Rand Farrer. I am so sorry for your loss. May your happy memories bring you comfort at this time of grief.
I will always be grateful that I crossed paths with Joanne. We both entered a fun "clutter contest" sponsored by the Salt Lake Tribune and were chosen as finalists together. Then we discovered that we had many things in common. We both loved reading and movies, and both weren't the best at not gathering clutter around out houses. Over the years, we enjoyed the occasional lunch together and discovered we both lived near to each other in Cottonwood Heights. I still remember many fun and humorous things that she said to me. Later on, we both worked at the Whitmore Library together. I thought she was such a fun, delightful and upbeat person. She told me how she met your Dad at the Greek Festival and how much she loved him. While she was a legal assistant, she worked with a neighbor of mine, Rand Farrer. I am so sorry for your loss. May your happy memories bring you comfort at this time of grief.
I will always remember working with Dennis at the Union Pacific Railroad. A very nice fellow, and a very competent electrician. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
