Joan Trexler Rusher

Joan Trexler Rusher, born September 9th, 1934, peacefully passed away into the loving arms of her Lord surrounded by her family on the evening of March 9th, 2024 at Novant Rowan Regional Medical center after a five-month period of declining health. The only child of the late Claude H. Trexler, a career educator and principal in the Rowan County Schools and Ruth T. Trexler, Joan was born in eastern Rowan County and raised in the area known as “Dukeville” where her family’s German heritage and love of education would remain with her throughout her life. One of her father’s favorite sayings was “a good education is the one thing that can never be taken away from you” and this theme was evident in so many aspects of her life as well as her children’s and grandchildren’s. She attended the Rowan County Schools and at an early age began taking piano lessons where her passion for music was born. She graduated Valedictorian of her high school class and attended Catawba College where she was head majorette, graduating with a BA degree in English. After graduating, Joan became an educator like her father. Later she taught dance and in house piano lessons to many of the children in the Rowan/Salisbury area. She would marry her loving husband, Bobby L. Rusher on April 8th, 1958 and would start a family which was her true life’s calling. Mrs. Rusher would have a family of four where she instilled in them the importance of education just as her parents had instilled in her. Joan became an incredible cook, preparing delicious meals fondly remembered by the family gathered around the dinner table every night. Many of Joan’s meals were family recipes passed down by the generations of Trexler's who were proud of their German roots, one being peas and rivels which was a family tradition served on New Years Day. Joan was a loving and caring mother involved in all aspects of her children’s lives and their activities. She was active in the local school PTA, school fundraisers and all of her children’s many sporting events. In addition to starting and raising her family, Joan played an important role in the beginnings of the family business, Rusher Oil Company, where she served as the corporate secretary and bookkeeper in its beginning years. Later in life, Joan’s competitive spirit led her to enjoy many years on the tennis courts. Until the age of 84 she could always be found playing a doubles match with her tennis friends in Salisbury. An avid reader, she enjoyed the many books gifted to her by family members and by swapping books with friends. Her bridge club gatherings were also one of her many passions. Other hobbies included the working of jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles and anything she felt challenged the mind. Joan immensely enjoyed traveling and spending time at the beach, sitting on her balcony watching the tide roll in and smelling the fresh salty air. If the weather did not permit sitting outside, she was always up for a friendly game of Scrabble that you were sure to lose. Joan’s love of Salisbury was evident in the outside civic events she found interesting. She served on the Board of Visitors for Catawba College and was acting secretary for The Historic Salisbury Foundation. Her passion for music continued as the church organist for Maupin Avenue Presbyterian Church and pianist for the St John’s Lutheran Church children’s choir for 15 years. She also directed the children’s Christmas play at St Johns and especially enjoyed working with the children of the church. At home, Joan could be found practicing on the piano her favorite songs which were enjoyed by her many friends and family members. Holiday traditions were very special to Joan, she enjoyed adding that special touch that only a mother can. One of her favorites was playing songs and carols on the piano and having the family gather round to sing during the Christmas season. Joan was a lifelong Lutheran and a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church for over 50 years. Above all else, she loved the Lord, St. John’s Lutheran Church and her beloved family that survives her. Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 65 years, Bob Rusher; son Bobby Rusher II (Kathy) children Kathryn, Bobby III “Bo”, and Lillie; son Joey Rusher (Cindy) children Joseph and Isabella; daughter Lori Rusher Pope (Todd) children Rusher, Caroline and Hannah; daughter Kristia Rusher Chatham, children Hugh Jr., and Folger. A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 21st, 2024 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, officiated by the Rev. Lori Carter and Rev. Carl Sachtleben. The family will receive friends following the service in Ritchie Hall until 2:00 PM with a private graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144. The family would like to give special thanks to: Dr. Brent Seifert, Dr. Neil Patel, Dr. Telly Meadows and all of her caregivers. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Rusher family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.

Joan Trexler Rusher

September 9, 1934 - March 9, 2024