Business and finance’s Connie Rush dies after battle with cancer

Connie Rush

Connie Rush — division director of payroll, records and benefits at UNMC — died Wednesday at The Nebraska Medical Center after a long battle with cancer. She was 52.

Rush had worked in the university system since 1987 when she started as an accountant at central administration in Lincoln, and at UNMC since 1992.

Carol Kirchner, director of accounting and business systems development, worked with Rush for more than 10 years and said her open and courageous attitude about her cancer, which she had battled since 2004, was inspiring, Kirchner said.

“I really admired her positive outlook,” Kirchner said. “She would openly share her experiences with her cancer with others.”

John Russell, assistant vice chancellor for business and finance, said Rush was a joy to work with.

“She was thoroughly professional and never failed to do the absolute best she could in any responsibility she had,” Russell said.

Rush initially came to UNMC as manager of payroll and cashiering. In 2002, she was promoted to direct the payroll and benefits division.

“She was thoroughly professional and never failed to do the absolute best she could in any responsibility she had.” John Russell

She was heavily involved in UNMC’s implementation of the SAP system, Russell said.

A visitation for Rush will be held Monday at 9:30 a.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church at 7706 S. 96th St. in La Vista followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.

Another funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Rush Family Chapel at 1629 10th St. in Onawa, Iowa.

Memorials will go to support cancer research at UNMC and can be sent to Rush Family Care Services at 1629 10th St. in Onawa, Iowa.