Mrs. Harriette Elizabeth "Peggy" Rusher

After a valiant fight with cancer Harriette Elizabeth “Peggy” Stodard Rusher went to be with her precious Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 16, 2013. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through many challenging months of surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Born March 14, 1942 in Rowan County, she was the daughter of Ruby Cole and Morris Wimberly Stodard. Educated in the East Spencer Schools, Peggy chose family as her career. She also worked at Ruby’s Bridal, Tobias, and in the Rowan-Salisbury Schools as a teacher assistant and substitute teacher. In 1958, Peggy married the love of her life, Robert James “Sonny” Rusher and so began her dedication to loving, nurturing, and caring not only for her family, but any and all in need or want. Known for her humble, gracious nature she never met a stranger. It was her hope that all she said and did would glorify God. Even throughout her journey with cancer she witnessed to everyone who crossed her path, desiring for them to know and love her sweet Jesus as she did. Possessing a true servant’s heart, Peggy enjoyed reading the Bible, cooking/baking from scratch, gardening, surf fishing and seashell seeking. A woman of faith and the heart of the Rusher family, she and her husband of 55 years, raised their 4 children: Susie (and Pete Byam), Robbie (and Robin), Dana and Mitzi and were later blessed with 5 grandchildren: Josh (and Serena), Courtney, Emily, Cody, and Sydney and a great-granddaughter, Allie (also known to their Nana as Pooh Bear, Court-Court, Emi, Cody-Man, Syd-a-Ryd, and my Allie Elizabeth). Also waiting to join her in heaven are her siblings: Ruby Rusher (and Floyd), Junior Stodard (and Liz), Wayne Stodard (and Evelyn), Sandra Basinger (and Ronnie), and Stanley Stodard (and Grace). In addition, Peggy had numerous beloved nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of Peggy’s life at 1:00 pm Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at First Reformed Church, 210 North Central Avenue, Landis NC 28088 with Pastors David Franks and Sy Ponds officiating. There will be a time for fellowship to follow until 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Peggy’s memory to the Building Fund, First Reformed Church – Landis or Rowan Hospice and Palliative Care, 720 Grove Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Mrs. Harriette Elizabeth "Peggy" Rusher

March 14, 1942 - June 16, 2013