Viola Morris Barton

Viola Bell Rush Morris Barton, 77, of Washington, died Friday, January 8, 2016, in Consulate Health Care of North Strabane. She was born June 13, 1938, in Prosperity, a daughter of the late Leo Rush and Cheerful Turner Rush. Mrs. Barton worked in the laundry at Western Center and later became a foster parent to 20 children, five of whom she adopted. She loved watching wresting with her grandson and enjoyed shopping and feeding deer. On March 9, 1991, she married Thomas P. Barton, who died June 3, 2007. Surviving are two sons, Danny Morris and Terry Barton, both of Washington; four daughters, Beth (Leo) Wright, of Washington, with whom she made her home, Barbara (Joe) Bedillion of Salem, New Jersey, Leah Barton of Washington and Heavenlea Barton of Washington; one sister, Vonda Kay Rush of Washington; six grandchildren, Patricia Wright Jones, Chad Wright, Brian Knox, Kye Knox, Priscilla Morris and Charles Morris; and 15 great-grandchildren including Julius, Jenna and Justice Jones and Nathan and Natalie Wright. Deceased are a son, Robert Morris; a grandson, Leo Wright III; brothers, Don Rush, Bill Moore and Richard Rush; sisters, Shirley Walker and Patricia Sue Rush. Friends will be received on Monday, January 11th, from 3 till 7 p.m., the time of service, in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, with Rev. Lois Swestyn officiating. Private burial in National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will be held at a later date.