Betty Jane McKnight Rusher

Betty Jane McKnight Rusher, 99, passed into eternity to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on September 7th, 2024.  She was born in Brinkley, Arkansas, on August 15th, 1925, as the youngest of Dr. Howard and Dot McKnight’s nine children.  She was a 1943 graduate of Brinkley High School before attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.  Betty returned to Brinkley and was married to Albert Holly Rusher on June 11th, 1946. They celebrated their 71st anniversary one month prior to his death on July 12th, 2017.  Throughout her life, Betty was actively involved in the community and her church. She also enjoyed hosting luncheons, birthday parties, and other events in her home. Betty is survived by a large family including, son, Gus (Liz) Rusher of Fayetteville; daughter, Debbie (Robin) Nix of Jonesboro; daughter-in-law, Pam (Bob) Riley of Jonesboro; sister-in-law, Sarah McKnight; 10 grandchildren, Holly (Jim) Wells of Jonesboro, Will (Courtney) Rusher of Little Rock, Ashley (Jeff) Jones of Jonesboro, August (Kim) Rusher of Rogers, Rex Rusher of Fayetteville, Robin (Libby) Nix, Jr. of Jonesboro, Tim Nix of Nolensville, Tennessee, Lacey Gramling of Jonesboro, Judson (Heather) Nix of Centerton, and Lynley (Ben) Mandrell of Franklin, Tennessee; 27 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Betty is preceded in death by her spouse, Albert, and her oldest son, Dr. Buck Rusher. Active pallbearers will be family members. There will be a 1:00 pm visitation on Tuesday, September 10th, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, Brinkley. The funeral service will be at 2:00 pm followed by a burial at Oaklawn Cemetery, Brinkley.