Linda Rush graduated from Western Kentucky University with an associate’s degree in nursing in 1968. Her nursing experience involved direct patient care, managed care, prevention and wellness promotion before she retired three years ago. She has served on many health and wellness outreaches in this community and at the state level. She was actively involved with the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky for a number of years and was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel in 2009 for her involvement with women’s health outreach. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center and on the advisory council for the Warren County Extension Office. 

Friends tell me you continue to be busy in your retirement, particularly with your church. What are you doing there?

I am blessed to be a member of Greenwood Park Church of Christ, a thriving church that truly reaches out to this community and to its members. There are so many ways to serve. When there is a need we work to meet that need. It can be as simple as taking a meal to someone when they come home from the hospital or having a meal ready at the church for the family after the funeral of a loved one. It’s about serving others. Retirement has given me the opportunity to be involved more in serving. I also now get to enjoy attending our ladies Bible class that meets on Tuesday mornings. Several years ago our church began an International Ministry to reach the refugees that were coming into Bowling Green. This outreach has been a blessing to all involved. There is one family that I have particularly been involved with. It has been so rewarding to see how they have become part of our community and church.

How has working with the refugee community opened your eyes about life in Bowling Green and how has it changed your general outlook on life?

We take so many things for granted. We are truly a blessed nation and community. To see the refugees come here with nothing, plus language barriers and so many struggles just to survive is eye opening. It is amazing though to see what potential is there, to see the children learn, to see a family save money to buy their own home by working hard. I commend Bowling Green for having an International Center and for providing assistance to the refugees who have come here.

Once a nurse, always a nurse. … How have you continued with your passion for caring for others?

I worked as a nurse for 45 years before retiring three years ago. My experiences ranged from direct patient care to prevention and disease management. I truly love nursing. It is about caring for the well-being of others and you’re right, it is always a part of you even after retirement.

It is important to me to keep my license active even though I am not employed in nursing. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to serve as nurse at our church’s summer youth camp. It was good to use those basic nursing skills again. One young camper asked me “Are you a real nurse or a volunteer?” I just smiled and said both. I am on the board of directors for the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center. This is a wonderful nonprofit organization that serves children who have been sexually abused. I feel my contributions as a board member are stronger as a result of my nursing and management experience. I serve on the advisory council for the Warren County Extension Office. My position as director of Community Wellness for The Medical Center prior to retirement gave me the opportunity to be aware of so many health care needs and opportunities. I want to continue to help and contribute in the area of health. I also continue to support as many of The Medical Center’s wellness outreach programs as possible. I have such a vested interest in programs such as the Health & Wellness Expo and Women’s Conference that I had the privilege to help start. It warms my heart that they continue to thrive and benefit this community.

As a retired health care professional, what is the best thing that people can do to maintain their health in retirement?

It is so important to stay physically and mentally active. Exercise can involve joining a gym, but can be as simple as getting out and walking. I am a real advocate for water aerobics. I try to go two to three times a week at Total Fitness Connection, which has a large indoor pool. I feel so much better after a class. Great for maintaining and increasing flexibility. Enjoy all the fresh fruit and vegetables our farmers’ markets have to offer right now. Get involved in things you enjoy doing that you weren’t able to do when working full time. Nurture your relationships with family and friends.

Tell me about your family.

I am blessed with a wonderful family. I have two sisters that live in Bowling Green as well as my mother-in-law who is in a nursing home, brother- and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews. My son, daughter and grandchildren live out of town, but we get together every chance we can. Best times for me are family times for sure. My son, Jon, lives in Frankfort. My son-in-law Eddie, an Army colonel, and my daughter, Amy, are currently stationed at Scott Air Force Base near Saint Louis. It’s great having both children close enough for weekend visits. I have four grandchildren ranging in age from 9 to 22. My grandson, Hunter Gillon, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy on June 2 and got married on June 11. Very busy, happy time for our family. He and his wife Kaiti are leaving this next week for his first assignment at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Can’t wait to go visit. Granddaughter Megan Gillon is a senior at Lipscomb University in Nashville majoring in theater ministry. She comes to visit often which is wonderful. My son’s oldest daughter, Ashton begins her freshman year at George Washington University in DC this fall and will be majoring in international affairs. So excited for her, but so going to miss her. My youngest grandchild at age 9 is Katherine. She was with me for “Camp Grandma” last week. So much fun. I’m cherishing the moments with her. Grandchildren truly do complete the circle of life.  I also have some very dear, longtime friends that are family to me as well.

What has been your most memorable vacation?

My most memorable vacation was probably the trip my husband and I took to Europe over 25 years ago. The first part of the trip was work related, but we added a couple of weeks to that and got to experience Paris, parts of Germany, London and Lucerne, Switzerland. It was a more peaceful time to travel for sure. So glad we got to experience those adventures together prior to my husband’s death from leukemia in 2005. Since retiring, my most memorable trip has been to the Banff, Canada area. Such beautiful country. Lake Louise was breathtaking and I would recommend that trip to anyone.

What are some of your guilty pleasures?

When I first retired, I felt guilty if I had a day when I wasn’t very productive. I think that was because my days had always been so full and measured by how much I got done. I have learned to “be still” and enjoy the things around me more. It’s alright to have a lazy day, to sit on my front porch and enjoy a new magazine. The TV show “Nashville” could be classified as a guilty pleasure, too.