Mary T. “Molly” Busch, age 88 years, a resident of Elkins, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, in United Hospital Center at Bridgeport, WV.
She was born April 23, 1937, at Fairmont, WV, a daughter of the late Richard Talbott and the late Beulah Saffel Talbott. On June 4, 1960, she married John Everett Busch. Molly and John celebrated fifty-one years of marriage prior to his death on November 11, 2011.
Surviving are four children, Mary Tracewell Busch, Amy Schumacher and husband Steve, and John Benton Busch, all of Elkins, and Richard Talbott Busch of Morgantown. Surviving grandchildren include Mary Kate Rion and husband Jacob, Margaret Miller and Aiden Miller, Elly Manuel and husband Danny, Read Schumacher and fiancé Casey Mahoney, Kaylee, Evan, Talbott, Griffith and Davis Busch, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as six great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband John, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Christine Bennett; grandson, Ryne Schumacher; and a brother, Richard “Dick” Talbott.
Molly was a 1956 graduate of Elkins High School and the very first Elkins Tiger Mascot. She obtained a degree in Recreation from West Virginia University, where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority. She was a homemaker, a community volunteer, active in EHS Boosters and Meals on Wheels, and a faithful member of the Grace Episcopal Church, including the women’s group and a Bridge Club in Elkins.
She was Director General of the Mountain State Forest Festival in 1992 and for many years served on the board of directors of the Forest Festival, Randolph County United Way and Elkins Parks and Recreation Commission. Molly and John and Molly’s brother, Rich, and wife Jo Ann, as well as good friends Jim and Mandi Wilson, enjoyed travelling overseas for many years.
Molly’s request for cremation has been honored. A Service of Remembrance will be announced at a later date. The family requests contributions be made to the Tygart Valley United Way, 10 Eleventh St. Suite D, Elkins, WV 26241, in memory of Molly.
The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Mary T. “Molly” Busch. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.
