Erika S. Mintess

Erika Susan Mintess, 54, of Bowie, Maryland, daughter of Merlin and the late Cacilia Bush, passed away on Sunday, October 16, 2016 following a more than two year courageous battle with cancer. She was born on October 6, 1962 in Washington D.C. and lived most of her life in Maryland. Erika is survived by her husband Charles (Chuck) Mintess of Bowie, father Merlin Bush of Barboursville, West Virginia, her brother Brendan Bush of Columbus, Ohio, sons Michael of Denver, Colorado, and Matthew (Chanelle) of Upper Marlboro, grandchildren Brittany Ledson of Severna Park, Devin Smith and Delilah Smith of Upper Marlboro, and Kaiden Smith of Denver, Colorado. Erika was a dedicated, caring nurse by profession and an avid animal lover and dog trainer. She threw herself into everything she did including being an unbelievably amazing wife, on-line gaming, riding her beloved motorcycles, and training multiple dogs in the Schutzhund/DVG sports where she enjoyed spending many weekends and won numerous awards. Erika was also a dedicated grandmother, sister, and daughter, who loved spending time with her family and cherished each moment with them. Erika was kind, gentle, extremely smart and beautiful, inside and out. Overall, she was the best of the best! In honor of Erika, please send donations in lieu of flowers to DAR&E (Doberman rescue) at dobe.net.