Obituary - Amy Ely Bush

Amy Ely Bush, 44, of Henrico, Va., passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023 after a quiet and valiant battle with cancer. She served her family, God, and community with dedication. Skilled at juggling the logistics of business, volunteer service, and motherhood, she ran the household with precision. She was always in search of a bargain and enjoyed the thrill of the hunt.

She was born in Montrose, Pa. and grew up on Ely Lake in Susquehanna County, graduating as valedictorian from Mountain View High School. She received her B.A. in computer science and mathematics from Susquehanna University, then taught math at Tucker High School and in the specialty center at Deep Run High School in Henrico County, Va. When motherhood called, she transitioned to evening and weekend math tutoring. She thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with her students, building confidence through their struggles and rejoicing in their successes.

Amy served in multiple roles for the Short Pump Elementary School PTA and was recognized as volunteer of the year in 2022. At Saint Andrew’s United Methodist Church, she was a longtime member of the church choir, children’s ministry volunteer, and behind-the-scenes worker in many aspects of church life. There, she established and co-directed a biannual children’s consignment sale which raised over $30,000 for the Kidz Kupboard elementary and middle school feeding program.

She is survived by her beloved children, Clarissa, Dalton, and Ethan; soulmate and husband, Brian; mother, Yasuko Straub (James) of Kingston, Pa.; father Kenneth Ely (Deborah) of Dimock, Pa. and Wellsboro, Pa.; brother Richard Ely (Sarah) of Kennett Square, Pa.; and a large extended family.

Friends will be welcomed on Tuesday, March 14th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Woody’s Funeral Home on Parham. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15th at Saint Andrew’s UMC, 9801 Fort King Rd. in Henrico, with reception to follow. The service will be live streamed at https://www.saumcva.org/worship-livestream. A gathering with extended family and friends in northeastern Pennsylvania will be scheduled at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Kidz Kupboard feeding ministry at Saint Andrew’s UMC, 9801 Fort King Road, Henrico, Va. 23229, or https://www.saumcva.org/support.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Bush family.