June 23, 1950 – August 21, 2023
Martha Kay Rush Schmaltz, 73, of Alvin, Texas entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 21, 2023. Kay was born in Houston, Texas on June 23, 1950. She was adopted at 6 months old by Clyde Cosby Rush, former Assistant Chief of Police of Beaumont, Texas and Leona Marie Schnabel Rush on Kay’s “Special Day”, December 20, 1950. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Kay was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She is survived by her spouse Harold Schmaltz and their daughter, Amy Kristen Schmaltz Upton, husband, Lynn Travis Upton of George West, Texas; and Harold’s daughter Candace Jackson Hjort, husband Reed Hjort of Saint Helens, Oregon. She also leaves behind her brother James Clyde Rush, wife Karen Rush of Crystal Beach, Texas and nieces, Kelly Rush Williams, Casey Duncan, and nephew Hunter Rush. Her grandchildren include Trevor Hjort, Allison Upton, Ashley Smith, and great grandson T.J. Alcala. Special family friends include Bobby Barth of Friendswood, Texas, Robert and Janelle Franks of Alvin, Texas, Fred and Mel Franks of Alvin, Texas and Larry and Angela Rolla of Dickinson, Texas. The family extends sincere gratitude to Maria Perez of Alvin, Texas who Kay held near and dear to her heart.
Throughout her life Kay was strong in her Methodist Faith.
Kay graduated from Beaumont High School in Beaumont, Texas, Class of 1968. Upon high school graduation she attended Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, majored in education and with a minor in history, Class of 1972. She began her teaching career at E. C. Mason Elementary in Manvel, Texas. She was an adult ESL instructor in addition to her teaching at E. C. Mason. She retired from Santa Fe Independent School District in 2004. She taught many throughout the years who still share memories of her as their teacher.
Growing up, Kay was active in an all-girl singing group, Melody Maids in Beaumont, Texas. She traveled worldwide singing to the military personnel at various military bases. She was her daughter’s biggest fan at her softball games from league, travel, high school, and college games (playing and coaching). Her love for the game extended to becoming Harold’s biggest supporter while he coached travel ball games. She was the fundraising chairperson for Alvin Girls Softball Association, Texas Ultimates Softball and Texas Connection Softball.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Support Group, The Gathering Place, PO Box 2050, Angleton, Texas 77516 and/or any local non-kill animal shelter of your choice.
Her Celebration of Life will be Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Donna’s Legacy Event Center, 785 CR539, Alvin, Texas 77511. The service will be at 5:00 P.M. Immediately following the service a time of remembrance and fellowship will include finger foods, and drinks. We want all to come to this and visit and share their stories of our beloved Kay.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
