Loyce Elaine Thrush

A Life Filled with Faith, Family & Joy

Loyce Elaine Thrush (nee Bennett), age 92, of Hastings, MN, passed into the arms of Jesus on August 30, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved.

If you knew Loyce you knew that faith and family were at the center of her life—and that there was usually plenty of laughter mixed in.

Loyce had a heart for ministry and for people. Alongside her husband Gil, she served congregations in Texas, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota, becoming ordained in the Church of God in 1995. For Loyce, ministry wasn't simply something she did; it was part of who she was. Loyce had a gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for and loved.

But Loyce's greatest joy was family. She treasured time with Gil, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing equal parts of silliness, shenanigans and wise advice.

Those who loved Loyce will remember her laughter, teasing, storytelling, music and prayers. She believed life was meant to be lived with gratitude, generosity and plenty of joy.

Loyce is lovingly remembered by sons Timothy (Laurie) and Daniel (Chris) Thrush, grandchildren Timothy, TJ (Kristin) Thrush, Danielle (Jerome) Washington, and Kyle Thrush (fiancée Maris), great grandchildren Kiley, Timothy and Anthony Thrush, and Wilder and Roamy Washington.

She was preceded in death by husband Gil, son Gill, parents Lewis and Leona Bennett, brothers Leo, Lewis, Lynn and Lyle Bennett, and sisters Leah Orton and Lorraine Burch.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life honoring the way Loyce lived—surrounded by faith, family, friends and joy.

The Celebration will be held Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 3pm at Discovery Community Church, 828 Portland Ave., St. Paul Park, Minnesota. A visitation will follow the service at approximately 4pm. Come as you are, bring a favorite memory or story, and be ready to smile and laugh as we celebrate a life that blessed so many.

The love she gave, the faith she shared and the joy she brought into our lives will continue through the generations. Memorials preferred to Camp Arrowhead, Deerwood, Minnesota, in honor of Loyce.

The family would like to thank the staff at Regina Assisted Living and Grace Hospice for their compassionate care of Loyce over the past 7 years.

Well done, good and faithful servant.