Winona "Nonie" Rush

Winona “Nonie” Cecilia Rush, age 80, was called home to Heaven on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at home surrounded by family.

Services will be held at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 23, 2026, and will conclude with burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. There will be a luncheon at the funeral home after the graveside service.

Nonie was born September 16, 1945, in Des Moines, Iowa to Wesley Woodrow Connett and Mildred Cecilia (Malloy) Connett. She married Lawrence “Larry” Everett Rush II on September 16, 1966. They welcomed son, Matthew in 1970 and daughter, Elizabeth in 1973.

She worked as a Legal Secretary during her working years, most notably for Vern Lawyer and Robert Ray. When Governor Ray was elected to office, she accompanied him as his legal secretary. Nonie took a hiatus to raise her family, and returned to the work force for various law firms, including Roger Kuhle and Mike Sellers. She concluded her career with Polk County Attorney’s Office, Drug and Gang Unit, retiring in 2012.

Her faith was a guiding force in her life and she was a devoted member of First Church of Christ in Ankeny. Nonie had a huge heart and a selfless nature. She served as the caretaker for her beloved husband. She enjoyed traveling, especially to northeast Iowa, where she loved leisurely walks along the Mississippi River. Nonie was an avid reader and enjoyed her flower garden. Her family brought her the greatest joy and she was endlessly proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She treasured time spent with them and made many wonderful memories with trips to the zoo and showing them around Des Moines.

Survivors include:
Her son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Stephanie Rush
Their children (Nonie’s grandchildren): Jessica (Shane) Miller (and their sons, Kruz and Archer); Kelsie (Sean) Emmons (and their children, Hannah and Henry); and Taylor Rush

Her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Tom Hagen
Their children (Nonie’s grandchildren): Brianna (Dusty) Kile (and their children, Della, Dutton, and Denver); Haley (Jared) Jasper; and Emily (Brody) Grandfield (and their daughter, Lainey).

Nonie is also survived by her “children of the Heart” Chad and Simone Adamson and their daughters, Sofie and Sina.

Nonie was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Larry Rush; brother, John Wesley Connett (Patricia); and her parents.

Memorial contributions may be directed to First Church of Christ in Ankeny.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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