Elizabeth “Libby” Doan Bushell
Elizabeth “Libby” Doan Bushell, 91, of Chesterfield, MO, formerly of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on Sunday, July 30, 2023.
Libby was born on December 6, 1931, to Charles Austin Doan and Margaret Riggs Doan in Columbus, OH. After Libby graduated from University High School in 1949, she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Oberlin College in 1953 and her master’s degree in statistics at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Libby married her high school sweetheart, Robert “Bob” Bushell on June 8, 1956, in her parents’ home on Olentangy Boulevard in Columbus, OH. Libby and Bob welcomed three children: Katherine in 1961, David in 1963, and Kristin in 1965.
Libby and Bob raised their children in Fargo, ND, where Libby devoted much of her time to raising her children, helping at their schools, and supporting her son and his swim team. She also loved to fish and to travel. Over the years Libby took regular trips to Lake of the Woods, first with Bob and later with her son, grandchildren, and other extended family members and friends. Libby was also an avid gardener, an exceptional cook, and a talented knitter, but family and friends were her primary focus. She did so much to strengthen those ties, including hosting annual summer vacations to “The Lake” in MN for many years, visiting and traveling with family members throughout the United States, and traveling with her close-knit group of friends throughout the world.
After Bob’s passing in 1980, Libby served as the Board Chairperson of The Children’s Hospital of Fargo, and she established the Bushell Family Charitable Fund. Libby’s love and support were felt by everyone in her immediate and extended family, by her friends, by those in the Fargo and Grand Forks communities, and in later years, by her sweet and devoted companion, Sammy, a Maltipoo dog. Libby was best known for her commitment to family, her unwavering strength, and her generous spirit.
Libby was preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” Bushell; her daughter, Katherine Durr; her son-in-law, Joseph Durr; and her granddaughter, Abigail Bushell. She is survived by her son, David (Cheryl) Bushell of St. Peter, MN ; her daughter, Kristin (Chris) Roux of Chesterfield, MO; her sister, Ellen Dohr of Chelsea, MI; ten grandchildren: Justin Durr of St. John, MO; Michael Durr of St. John, MO; Jacqueline Durr (Julian Peyton) of St. Louis, MO; Emily (Jake) Large of Kentwood, MI; Robert Bushell of Milwaukee, WI; Charles (Felicia Kellen) Bushell of Belle Plaine, MN; Andrew Bushell of Aurora, CO; Victoria (Dan) Hummel of St. Louis, MO; Erica (Ray) Gaier of Cincinnati, OH; and Alexa Roux (Sean Miller) of Blue Springs, MO; and four great grandchildren; Lauren, Jackson, Madeline, and George; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A memorial service will be held at The Crossing Church in Chesterfield (114 North Eatherton Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005), Saturday, August 5th, at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) or Pathways Hospice & Palliative Care (pathwayscomfort.com).
Forever an Ohio State Football Fan… GO Buckeyes!!!!!!
She had a beautiful smile and a kind soul. I find myself fortunate to have met her when I was child. I will always hold a special place for her in my heart. Condolences to her family and friends.
So many wonderful memories of my cousin. I loved her dearly and will miss her wonderful friendship.
Until our next Rob Roy in heaven. Keep the glasses chilling!
She was a wonderful person. I will dearly miss her. My thoughts and prayers with all the family.
I met Libby when I became friends with her daughter Kristen. I was lucky enough to spend a lot of fun times with Libby over the last several years. Dinners at Spiro’s restaurant where Libby always got the dover sole. There were also several times she would come to my home to join my family dinners. She loved to pet my dog, Stella‘s ears and Stella absolutely loved Libby. Libby would tell us all amusing stories of her Newfoundland Sam. Libby came to my paint and sip birthday party one year, I think her favorite part was the sipping and not the painting. We also went to the movies one time together where we saw the movie, La La Land, it is still one of my favorites and I will always think of her when I watch it! Libby was one of the sweetest, most gentle, kind, and generous souls you could ever meet. My love and prayers to her family and all those who love her.
I will miss coming to see you and being greeted by your welcoming smile and loving hug. Until we meet again, Libby.❤️
An amazing woman with outstanding academic credentials who chose, instead, to raise and love a family. Grace be with her and her wonderful loved ones.
Your mother enriched my life in so many ways. Such an amazing woman. I will hold my memories of her dear to my heart.
From the first time I met Libby to my last visit she made our family feel so welcome and valued. Rest in peace dear Libby. We need more people with your generous spirit in our world!
Libby and I became late life friends by fate or chance or design. Libby taught me more in a few years than can be taught in a lifetime. She was an angel of wisdom. I will consult with her each day until she and I meet again.
Libby…Bushell Family…so very many memories! I remember when they started to dig out our vacant lot next door to build their house. Katy and I were best friends until 1st grade. We kinda went pur separate ways after that though we lived next door until after high school. I remember Libby so many mornings for car pools to school.
One time, my husband and I were walking out of the woods behind Woodland Drive with our 2 Golden Retrievers. Libby came out knowing exactly who was back there, and invited us to lemonade and cookies!
Last time I saw her was in Fargo for my Dad’s memorial. I remember that last hug from her!