Ernest "Bass" Rushing

February 4, 1960 - January 27, 2026

Ernest “Bass” Rushing, Jr. was born on February 4, 1960, in Coolidge, Arizona, to Charlie Mae Black and Ernest Rushing Sr.  He entered eternal rest on January 27, 2026, in Casa Grande, Arizona.

Ernest was the fourth eldest of eleven children, six boys and five girls born to Charlie Mae and Ernest.   He received his education through the Coolidge Unified School District.  Even as a young boy, Ernest had a unique way of doing things.  Though he was rarely on time for school, his teachers never marked him absent, knowing he would always arrive eventually.  What they didn’t know was that Ernest had a special ritual: each day, he would choose a particular rock and kick it all the way to school.  If he lost that rock, he would search until he found it before continuing on his way.

In 1979, Ernest met Rene Johns, and from that moment it was love at first sight.  He adored her deeply—no one could tell him anything about Rene; she was his heart.  Together, they raised five children: Ka’Treana, Sha’Mika, LaKriesha, Ernest, and NaKiesha, and welcomed one bonus child Zenobia Deen into their home.

Ernest worked tirelessly throughout his adult life, holding many different positions with dedication and pride. He also lived life to the fullest and was an enthusiastic fan of the San Francisco 49ers—especially his favorite player, Joe Montana. Like his father, Ernest loved to fish, and the two shared countless joyful days catching and enjoying fish, with bass being their favorite.

Ernest Jr. was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Rushing Sr.; his brothers George Rushing (Sue), Charles Chumbley, Larry Williams, and Gregory Rushing; his sister Paula Rushing; his daughter Ka’Treana Johns; his son Ernest Rushing III; and one grandchild, Zah”Lea Johns.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters Sha’Mika Rushing (Jamar), La’Kriesha Harrison (Jimmy Jr.), and Na’Kiesha Rushing, Zenobia Deen; the mother of his children, Rene Johns; his mother, Charlie Mae Rushing; his brother Roy Rushing (Nikki); his sisters Brenda Rushing, Shirley Caesar, Loretha Rushing, and Betty Rushing (Thomas); along with a host of grandchildren, great‑grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts.