Obituary of Rebecca Diane Bush

Rebecca Diane “Becky” Bush, an accomplished musician, chef, and dual citizen of New Zealand, died peacefully at her home in Shreveport, La. on May 4, 2019 after a brief illness. Ms. Bush was born on February 14, 1954 in Shreveport. She attended Fairfield Elementary School, Atkins Elementary School, Linwood Junior High, and was a 1972 graduate of Woodlawn High School where she was a cheerleader and voted to homecoming court. She attended Louisiana State University in Shreveport. A natural musician and talented vocalist, she was accomplished on a number of instruments including the French horn, trumpet, flute, piano, violin, banjo, and bass and acoustic guitar. She played in the Shreveport Youth Symphony in the late 1960’s. A genuine free spirit with a thirst for travel, Ms. Bush lived in Los Angeles and New York before moving to Auckland, New Zealand in 1980 where she toured and made television appearances as a vocalist and bass guitar player with the well-known Gentle Annie Band. She remained in New Zealand for 20 years, becoming chef and co-owner of the Bayou Cafe, a popular restaurant and night-spot in Auckland that featured Louisiana cuisine. In the year 2000, she brought her culinary expertise back to Shreveport and worked as a chef in area restaurants such as Columbia Cafe, Robinson Film Center, and Fertitta’s 6301. A loveable and kind-hearted person, both the young and old delighted in her smile, voice, and quick wit. She is survived by one sister, Nancy Bush Griffin of McKinney, TX; two brothers, Carlos “Buddy” Bush and wife Pat of Cypress, TX and Charles Searcy “Charlie” Bush and Candi Fawley of Shreveport, La.; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William Latrelle Bush and Ruby Searcy Bush; sister Rosemary Bush; and brother William Hardy “Bill” Bush of Shreveport, La. A memorial will be planned at a later date.