Ross Andrew Bush, 51, of Vichy, Missouri, passed away on Feb. 5, 2024, at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer. Ross was born on May 20, 1972, to Richard Delos Bush and Hon. Jerri Lou (Cook) Bush-Winger in Joplin, Missouri. Ross graduated from Putnam County High School in 1990 and was a lifelong proud Midget. After high school, Ross moved to Alaska to study history at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Ross’s love for adventure, the outdoors, and being in nature grew during this time. Ross used his education to secure a position as a teacher in the Peace Corps. He was stationed in Rodzymin, Poland, where he fell in love and married Mariola Woznica.
Ross and Mariola returned to the United States and settled in Vichy, Missouri, where Ross became interested in garlic farming and worked in the laboratory at St. James Winery. In 2008, Ross and Mariola were blessed with a daughter, Clara Rose Bush. Words cannot express the immense love Ross had for Clara. From a young age, Ross’s mother instilled a love of the law in him. As a result, he earned his Juris Doctorate from St. Louis University School of Law in 2009. Ross opened his law firm in Vienna, Missouri, and looked to his mother for guidance and mentorship. Ross spent most of his legal career protecting children as a guardian ad litem. He was passionate about helping others, especially those most vulnerable. Ross cared deeply about maintaining the highest standards in his work and profession. Moreover, he was always willing to share his wisdom with those new to the legal practice or in need of guidance. Ross was the quintessential small-town attorney who wanted to serve his community. He enjoyed his daily visits at the Maries County Courthouse and was proud of his work as the attorney for the City of Vienna. Ross was also known for having the best bolo ties in the circuit.
Over the last ten years, Ross and Clara learned to play the guitar together. They often sang duets in their conservatory and were a fan favorite at open mic nights. Ross loved his 12-string Martin guitar, which would magically appear anytime someone was willing to listen to him play. During the summers, Ross and Clara dedicated their time to working in their garden and kayaking together, and he always looked forward to his annual camping trip with his best friends, Terry and Jacob. One of Ross’s great joys in life was beating Jacob in chess. Ross had a soft spot in his heart for animals and adopted many dogs and cats over the years. Ross was very proud of the home he provided for Clara and loved sitting on his porch admiring his garden and pond. Ross was an avid reader, letter writer, and dear friend to many.
Ross was predeceased by his parents, Richard Bush and Jerri Bush-Winger. He is survived by his daughter, Clara Rose Bush; brother, Rick Bush; step-father, Bernard Winger; step-mother, Susan Bush; nieces: Hailey Cooper, Taylor Madison Swift, Jordan Elizabeth Bush, Lindsey Kristen-Barrett Bush; and his former wife, Mariola Bush.
A memorial service will be held at the Knights of Columbus, 206 6th Street, Vienna, MO
on 24th of February at 2 p.m. It was a wish of Ross to celebrate his life so please join the family for a reception following the memorial at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: The Community Partnership, 1101 Hauck Dr, Rolla, MO 65401 or Rolla Animal Shelter, 1915 Sharp Rd, Rolla, MO 65401.
