Thelma Rusk

THELMA (SLACK) RUSK Graveside services for longtime Cortez resident Thelma (Slack) Rusk will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 15 at Cortez Cemetery. Pastor Kent Slyter will officiate. Thelma was born on October 29, 1922 near Breen, Colo. the daughter of Joseph and Elsie (Freed) Slack, the youngest of four children. Thelma passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at Aspen Gardens Assisted Living at the age of 86. Thelma attended Independence School near her home through the eighth grade. She either walked or rode horse back every day. When Thelma was ready for high school, the high school at Marvel, Colo. had closed so she worked for her room and board and attended high school in Durango. Thelma attended Fort Lewis branch of Colorado A&M at Hesperus, and Colorado University in Boulder where she met Bill Rusk. Thelma first taught at Cortez High School where Bill was also teaching. On October 29, 1945, they were married in Aztec, N.M. when they were supposed to be attending a teacher's convention in Durango. Thelma later taught at Mesa School and attended Adams State College in Alamosa for her Special Education Certificate. Thelma and Bill had only one son, W.W. Rusk III who died of diabetes at a young age. Thelma is survived by many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William W. Rusk Jr.; and her son, W.W. Rusk III.