Ellen R. Gust

Ellen Rose Gust, age 93, of Versailles, Illinois passed away at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Heritage Health, Therapy and Senior Care in Mt. Sterling.

She was born July 11, 1922 in Bainbridge Township in Schuyler County, Illinois the daughter of Michael Paul and Bessie Nettie Rose Malcomson.  She married William “Bill” Gust on August 25, 1946 in Bainbridge Township and he preceded her in death on September 15, 2004.

Mrs. Gust started her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in Schuyler County.  She then taught for several years at both the South Grade School in Mt. Sterling and the Versailles Grade School and served as Title I director for Brown County Schools.  Mrs. Gust retired as principal of the Versailles Grade School. 

She attended Sugar Grove School in Schuyler County and graduated from Rushville High School.  She then attended the University of Illinois in Champaign and later she received both her Bachelor of Education Degree and Masters of Education Administration Degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois.

Mrs. Gust was a veteran of World War II having served her country in the United States Navy WAVES where she served as a Link Trainer.

Ellen was a member of the LaGrange Chapel near her home, where she also taught Sunday school.  She was also a member of the Schuyler-Brown Retired Teachers Association, the Illinois Republican Women’s Association, the State Board of Elections and the Twilight Twirlers Square Dance Group.  Ellen always enjoyed painting, crocheting and gardening.

Survivors include 2 sons Michael Alan Gust of Portland, Oregon and Daniel Neil Gust (Susan) of Jacksonville, Illinois.  4 grandchildren Mollie Buchanan of Auburn, Illinois, Josiah Gust of Boonville, Missouri, Maria Kanney (John) of Chatham, Illinois and Matthew Gust of Jacksonville.  2 great grandchildren Chloe Buchanan and Ava Jo Gust also survive along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother James William Malcomson and 1 sister Vera Pauline Pate.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2016 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Matt Haberman officiating.

Burial will be in the Messerer Cemetery near Frederick, Illinois.  A military service will be conducted at the graveside by the United States Navy Funeral Honors Detail.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.  Friends may also call from 8:00 a.m. until the time of services on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to the Brown County Public Library or the LaGrange Chapel.

Condolences for the family may be left online at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.