Elberta "Peach" Bushmiller

Elberta “Peach” Bushmiller, 88, of Lexington KY died on June 5, 2026. She was born in Laura, Illinois to the late John Hardy Whittaker and Sarah Virginia Bill Whittaker on July 27, 1937.

Growing up on the family farm, she spent her time riding her beloved horse King, singing and becoming a pointe ballerina.

Elberta met the love of her life, Vince, while earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Bradley University. She and Vince chose to raise their children in Homewood, IL, seeking a highly regarded school system. She taught school for several years before owning a travel agency. She and Vince traveled abroad taking many trips to Paris.

Elberta was a seamstress and gourmet cook. The family home was filled with pictures she made, utilizing various mediums. She loved needlepoint, gardening, golfing and collecting rabbit figurines. She was active in the community, modeling fairness and inclusion.

Peach is lovingly remembered by two daughters, Lauraine B. (Kevin) Sellers and Lina (Lynn) Ann Poat for her warm loving ways and endless support. She will be remembered by her three grandchildren, Vincent, Madalynn and Kyle (Anthony) for instilling in them a love for reading and lifelong learning. She will also be remembered by her niece Susan and three nephews Doug, Brian and Marty Whittaker. In addition to her husband of 45 years, she was preceded in death by her grandson Daniel, sister Marcella “Marty” Farley, one brother Paul Hardy Whittaker, two nephews James Farley Jr. and John Farley and niece Paula Whittaker.

Family and friends will enjoy a private Celebration of Life.

She was a lifelong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Children’s Lexington, and American Brittany Rescue.

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html 

https://americanbrittanyrescue.org/ 

https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/locations/lexington/about-us/ways-to-give