Obituaries

Philip Joel Rush, 67

January 17, 2026

Philip Joel Rush, 67, of Lititz, PA formerly of Quakertown, PA passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at his residence.

Phil was the loving husband of Deborah K. (Sprowl) Rush for 45 years. Born in Sellersville, PA to the late Paul D. Rush and the late Ruth (Alderfer) Rush.

Phil attended Quakertown Christian School, Quakertown High School, then graduated from Eastern Mennonite High School, Harrisonburg, VA, followed by a year with Mennonite Central Committee in service to the needy and poor throughout the USA and northern Mexico. He then attended and graduated from Eastern Mennonite College (now University) in Harrisonburg, VA, where he met his wife Debbie. He also holds a master’s degree from Widener University in Philadelphia, PA.

Most recently, Phil was a Bank Officer Portfolio Manager at Fulton Financial in Lancaster, PA. He was previously employed by First Savings Bank of Doylestown, PA, and Union National Bank/Univest Corporation of Souderton, PA.

Phil grew up on his parents’ farm on Paletown Rd and in the Salem Mennonite Church, Quakertown, PA. Phil and his wife Debbie lived for many years on Richlandtown Pike in Quakertown, PA, before moving to Lititz, PA, ten years ago. They are currently members of Worship Center, Lancaster, PA.

Phil enjoyed family, finance, travel, music, reading, technology, and viewing sports/news/worship/weather/movies. Debbie and Phil traveled to England, Hawaii, New Zealand, and multiple times to Australia. In their 40s, they spent a year abroad in Sydney, Australia studying at Hillsong College. Phil treasured their Australian year and the many life-long international friends they made.

Phil is one of five Rush brothers. Jim (& Beth) of Harrisonburg, VA and Lowville, NY; John (& Esther) of Reading, PA; predeceased by Paul (& Alice) of Quakertown, PA; and Marc (& Deb) of Quakertown, PA. Phil has been a loving part of the lives of his in-laws, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral service for Philip at Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz PA on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM. There will be a time of viewing with the family from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be private in Deep Run Mennonite Church East Cemetery.

Those desiring may send memorial contributions in Phil’s memory to, The Matthew 25 Project at Worship Center, 2384 New Holland Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601, to give online http://worshipcenter.onlinegiving.org/.

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Condolences to the Family

January 23, 2026

Phil was a quiet and kind professional at Fulton Bank. His knowledge of investments was beyond my own comprehension – I was in awe of how much he knew and the way he described things in layman’s terms. Many condolences to the family. Stephanie Lavenberg

January 22, 2026

I’m so sorry Deb – our love & prayers go out to you! I remember meeting you both in Homebush when you came to Hillsong Conference. You both have always lived with a great commitment to God & His church & intentionally connecting with people for Kingdom purpose. We will be praying for the Holy Spirit to be your comfort & peace. If you ever want a break in the sunshine come visit us in Daytona FL. Love from Sandy & Mark Hopkins
Sandy Hopkins

January 22, 2026

Deb, My heart is broken for you as you walk this journey. We cherrish the time we had serving with both of you at New Covenant and the friendship we shared over the years. We look forward to seeing our dear brother in Heaven. Our prayers are with you. Love, Joe and Vena Bruno

January 21, 2026

Deb, our hearts are hurting upon hearing this news. We loved getting to know each of you and sharing our time together at New Covenant BIC. Phil had such a quiet way and wise manner about him all of the time.  We so appreciated both of you.  Love and prayers for you!
 
Tim and Brenda Hendricks

January 21, 2026

Debbie, we are sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this sad time. We hold fond memories of your time in Australia and will cherish them forever.
Sending love and prayers, May God’s love and peace surround you. Ronald & Sharne Rubera, Sydney, Australia

January 21, 2026

Chuck and I are among the privileged community who got to intersect our lives with Phil and Debbie through our Hillsong- Australia Big God Adventures. What a gift.
Though soft-spoken, Phil’s wisdom and playful spirit spoke loudly to many. I will especially remember his great generosity, sense of adventure, ornery quips, big smile, and loyal love for others, especially Debbie and Jesus.
We will adventure with you again, Phil. Thank you for showing us what it means to keep the main things the main things and have fun doing it! Xx
Brook Chalfant

January 21, 2026

Sorry  For your loss Debbie  as you know Phil and i go way back to tech school and 2 churches youth group in the ealy 70’s  together . Craig Wolfinger

Visitation
Friday, January 23, 2026
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
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Services
Friday, January 23, 2026
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
3110 Lititz Pike
Lititz, PA 17543
Map and Directions

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