Francine Lorraine Rushton, 47, passed away June 13, 2009, of complications from the swine flu. She was born Nov. 10, 1961, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Francis Watson and Beverly Jean Bowers Whitehead. She married Tom Zarogoza and they later divorced. Francine married Craig Rushton and later divorced.
Francine loved helping others by serving as an advocate for the rights of the disabled. Her passion for her work took her to many places across the country where she fought to improve the quality of life for those who found themselves in less-fortunate circumstances. She loved the outdoors and gardening. Francine was known as "mother" and "grandmother" to many people who enjoyed the warmth of her spirit and the comfort of her gentle smile. She had a great passion for her animals and enjoyed having them with her wherever her travels would take her. Francine was a resident of the Ketchum area, where she loved the feel of the great outdoors. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Survivors include her long love, Robert Smania; children, Melissa (Brad) Harrison, Jason Zarogoza (Adriana Jacquez), and Sean Zarogoza (Roy Rico); grandchildren Kaylee and Taige Harrison; mother Beverly Rix; father Francis (Carol) Whitehead; brother and sister, Craig (Tracey) Whitehead and Carrie (Robert) Hughes; and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the animal shelter.
Funeral services will be held at the Memorial Estates funeral home in Salt Lake City, Utah.
