Ethel Quinn Bush

Ethel Quinn Bush, 95, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024, at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.

A funeral service to honor Ethel’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 24^th at Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church in Newport, officiated by Rev. Mitchell Parker, Chaplain Rick Brooks, and Dr. John Hill Jr. Interment will follow at Amariah Garner Cemetery. The family will receive friends the evening prior from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday, March 23^rd also at the Church. 

Born on March 2, 1929, in Newport, NC, Ethel was the daughter of the late William “Hester” and Lula Quinn. Ethel loved the Lord first and foremost, which was seen through the testimony of her life. Her life revolved around God, family, and her church where she was a faithful member of the Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church. 

Ethel was a dedicated wife to her beloved husband Richard. They had 56 amazing years together before his passing in 2005. Richard retired from the Marine Corps and during that time, Ethel stood by his side faithfully, where he went, she went, she was a wonderful support to him. 

Throughout her life, Ethel found fulfillment in caring for her family and creating a warm and inviting home. Her passion for gardening was evident to all who knew her, and her beautiful roses were a true source of pride and joy for her. Ethel was an amazing cook, known for her delectable German Chocolate Cake and mouth-watering Shrimp Salad. She delighted in sharing her talent for crocheting by creating beautiful afghans for fellow church members. Ethel found great pleasure in caring for her son’s horses, Molly and Holly, and spoiling them with sweet treats like oatmeal cookies. Ethel was incredibly resourceful and was a true jack of all trades and a pillar of strength within her family. 

Ethel will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to all, who poured her heart into caring for her loved ones.  Ethel embodied the virtues of kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith, leaving behind a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Hill (John) of Newport; son, Richard E. Bush Jr. (Annette) of Newport; sister, Alstine Quinn Skinner (Kenneth) of Atlantic Beach; grandchildren, Robert Bush, Ashley Davila, Ethan Bush, John Hill Jr., Pattie Jo Hill-Horne, and Michael Hill; and 15 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Ethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard E. Bush Sr. who passed away in 2005; her siblings, Lionel Quinn and Alice “Deanne” Gurganus; and brother-in-law, Kenneth Skinner.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to Holly Springs Free Will Baptist Church.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.