A legacy of compassion

For almost two decades, George and Betty Dush devoted their time and talents to supporting hospice patients in their St. Johns, Michigan, community. Now, through a generous estate gift to UM Health-Sparrow Clinton Home Hospice, their commitment to care and compassion will continue, touching the lives of patients and families for years to come.

George Dush was born in Eureka, Michigan, served in the U.S. Army, and retired from General Motors in 1992. He lived in St. Johns, Michigan, almost all his life and was known throughout the community as a talented old-time fiddler. 

George was also deeply involved in what was then Clinton County Hospice, serving as a volunteer caregiver and offering compassionate care to his friends and neighbors. He passed away in February of 2018.

Betty Dush was born in Lansing, Michigan, and spent her career at General Motors. She and George were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns in 1999. 

Commitment to community

St. John’s, with its history of mint farming, is known as “Mint City USA.” Inspired by their community’s heritage, Betty and George founded the Mint City Jamboree, an ensemble of local amateur musicians, and ran it for almost twenty years. 

The Mint City Jammers played country and gospel music at local events and gatherings, collecting over $141,000 in donations to fund medication for local hospice patients.

In May of 2018, a few months after George passed away, Betty received his Volunteer Legacy Award at Sparrow’s annual volunteer appreciation luncheon. The award honored his remarkable contributions to the comfort of hospice patients.

Sharing a lasting legacy

Betty passed away in 2025, leaving a legacy gift to UM Health-Sparrow Clinton Home Hospice that will support patient care and have an important impact on the people she and George cared so much for during their lives.

“For 20 years, Betty and George were more than just donors; they were champions of hospice care in St. Johns,” says Tina Gross, MSN, BAS, RN, SANE, president and chief nursing officer of University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Specialty Hospital and Post-Acute Services. “We want to thank the family and the community for their continued generosity. We are committed to putting these funds to good use by directly supporting the patient care services that Betty and George spent their lives advocating for. Their lifelong commitment to giving back remains an inspiration to us all at UM Health-Sparrow Home Hospice.”

If you would like to make a gift to UM Health-Sparrow Home Hospice, please visit UM Health-Sparrow’s giving page and select “Hospice Services” from the dropdown menu.