Rosewood Heights — Virginia A. Rushton, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, surrounded by the love of her family.

Virginia was born June 13, 1947, in Rosebank, Staten Island, New York, a daughter of Pellegrino "Pete" and Clara (Levato) Scudieri.

She built a long career as a legal assistant with the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Madison County State's Attorney's Office, work she approached with the same care and diligence she brought to everything in her life. A faithful member of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Wood River, Virginia's faith was the quiet foundation beneath everything she did. She was also the beloved leader of a weight loss support group called Balance, a role she cherished, and could often be found exercising at Senior Services Plus, where she formed friendships that became some of the most treasured relationships of her life.

Virginia was, simply put, a treasure to everyone she touched. She carried a warmth that put people instantly at ease and a smile that seemed to never leave her face, even on hard days. She was selfless to her core, always thinking of others before herself, always finding a kind word or a helping hand to offer. To know Virginia was to love her — and to be loved by her was to feel it in every conversation, every gesture, every ordinary moment made a little brighter by her presence. Above all, she loved her family and her God, and she lived every day in devotion to both.

On August 30, 1974, she married Walter Rushton, and together they shared nearly 52 years of marriage. In addition to Walter, she is survived by her two children, John Rushton and Jennifer Rushton, both of Wood River, and her two brothers, John Scudieri of Pennsylvania and Peter Scudieri of New Jersey as well as many extended family members and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Frankie Scudieri.

Virginia's memory will live on in the countless lives she touched with her kindness, her faith, and her unwavering love.

Memorial visitation will be held Saturday, August 1, at Paynic Home for Funerals from 11 a.m. until services begin at 1 p.m. Inurnment will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to Holy Angels Catholic Parish, and will be accepted at the funeral home.