Yesterday, on December 27, 2020 at 3:50 p.m. my friend of forty years passed away due to the ravages of Covid. I’m not going to let Covid define her life or her existence. Throughout the years we bonded as women, mothers, and friends. We laughed together, cried together, played together, we would curse and pray together. We had our many ups and downs on the roller coaster of life. We had brief moments where we even hurt each other but, we always reconciled for in our hearts we knew we loved each other and had a very special bond.
For many blessed years, nobody said hi Debbie without saying, where’s Patty. We were the dynamic duo of moms, sometimes we were a little mischief in a fun way, and we were the best of friends. Patty’s wit, humor, and being so down to earth made us compatible. The way she could make me laugh was like no other. Oh, the stories, the delightful, hilarious stories are abundant.
As I mourn her loss, I also reflect on the decades of memories. I always saw her as a feisty, good hearted, super mom who loved completely and unconditionally. She was often times blunt but with a laid back charm that would make you appreciate her even more.
It was a beautiful thing to watch the way she loved. So many events of being a part of her life have been spinning in my head. How does anyone tell all of the tales of forty years. Just know, she was the kind of friend, wife, mother, and grandmother all women aspire to be.
Watching her watching her children and grandchildren or, giving the details of their accomplishments as they competed in athletics was just a small indication of her being the most loving of moms and grandma.
As we grew older, and as in life, change came about. No matter, we always found our way right back to each other, being in the sisterhood that was meant to be. She was easy to forgive and she forgave so easily. She did her very best to make good of a bad situation.
The vacations together, the late night card games, the fun pool times, the many meals we shared, the delights of being moms then grandmas, the laughter, the tears, the many years, will always be in my heart, thoughts, and the blessings of the memories of time we shared will forever keep her spirit alive.
Patty was a wonderful woman that will be missed. I have many great memories with her and the Rust family. My condolences go out to her family and close friends.
Patty was a wonderful woman that will be missed. I have many great memories with her and the Rust family. My condolences go out to her family and close friends.
My heart goes out to my dear, sweet aunt and her family. I love and miss you all. I’m so sorry for this tragic loss. I truly loved Aunt Pat’s spunky spirit. She is an amazing woman to put up with this family! This time of year is always difficult, remembering the fun we had gathering as a big family for the holidays. I hope she’s continuing to party with those that have gone before her. I love you all so much!
Robert I remember when you and Patty started dating! That sweet infectious laugh of hers and she always made time for us. The two of you had such a magical life together and all those wonderful trips you went on made memories you will cherish each day. God received another Angel and she will forevermore be watching over you and the family.
What a beautiful picture and tribute. When I was young and was around the Westerfield cousins we called her Faye. Once we reconnected down the road she was Patty. Nevertheless she always was smiling, laughing, or teasing or joking. Will miss you.
Robert, Larry, Tammy, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dr. Kim Haywood-Pfender, Dr. Roger Haywood, Dr. Kyle King and the team at Evansville Eyecare Associates
To the Rust Family; please accept our sympathy at the loss of Patty. We will always remember her kindness and her fun-loving personality. Be assured that she is now free of sickness and worry and resting in the arms of Jesus. May your faith carry you through this difficult time until you are reunited with her in our forever home. — Hugs and prayers, Jim and Susan Helmer
I mourn the lost of Pat. She has been one of my best friends for 61 years. We graduated high school together then off to Sullivan we went and then Air Force. We had such an awesome friendship and I will miss her more than words can say. Robert and family my prayers are with you. God gained an angel. Fly high Pat
Patricia Faye (Westerfield) Rust, 72, passed away in Evansville, Indiana on Sunday, December 27th, 2020. She was born in Hartford, Kentucky on July 30th, 1948 to her parents, Lawrence Tomerlin and Doris Avanell (Worley) Westerfield.
She attended Sullivan Business College from 1967 to 1968. She joined the Air Force in October of 1968 serving for four years, even serving abroad in Okinawa, Japan. She met her husband, Robert, during her time in the Air Force. They married on August 25th, 1973 and were married for 48 years. Patty was a free spirit who loved to travel and have fun in the sun. Her and her husband went to Key West with their best friends every year for 20 years. She was fun loving and feisty and always made people smile with her sense of humor and infectious laugh. Her most devout passion was her family. She proudly wore the title of wife, mother, and grandmother. Whether it was a baseball game, cheerleading practice, or family event, she was always there. She loved hugs and snuggles with her children and grandchildren. They truly were the light of her life. No matter how much she was blessed with in this world, she remained humble, kind, and down to Earth.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, Larry Bennett; her father-in-law, Charles Rust; and mother-in-law, Eva Elizabeth Rust.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Charles Rust; her children, Larry Michael Rust and Tamera Lynn (Jeremy) Ungethiem; her siblings, Larry (Tonya) Westerfield and Joan Bennett (Westerfield); her brother-in-laws, Henry C. (Pam) Rust and Gary M. (Myeong) Rust; grandchildren, Ava Ungethiem, Evie Ungethiem, and Jackson Ungethiem; and many niece and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 30th from 4-7pm and on Thursday, December 31st from 10-11am with service to follow at 11am. The service at 11am will be live-streamed on Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person. Please call Sunset at 812-477-5316 for log in instructions.
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Debra Harkins says
December 28, 2020 at 7:36 pmYesterday, on December 27, 2020 at 3:50 p.m. my friend of forty years passed away due to the ravages of Covid. I’m not going to let Covid define her life or her existence. Throughout the years we bonded as women, mothers, and friends. We laughed together, cried together, played together, we would curse and pray together. We had our many ups and downs on the roller coaster of life. We had brief moments where we even hurt each other but, we always reconciled for in our hearts we knew we loved each other and had a very special bond.
For many blessed years, nobody said hi Debbie without saying, where’s Patty. We were the dynamic duo of moms, sometimes we were a little mischief in a fun way, and we were the best of friends. Patty’s wit, humor, and being so down to earth made us compatible. The way she could make me laugh was like no other. Oh, the stories, the delightful, hilarious stories are abundant.
As I mourn her loss, I also reflect on the decades of memories. I always saw her as a feisty, good hearted, super mom who loved completely and unconditionally. She was often times blunt but with a laid back charm that would make you appreciate her even more.
It was a beautiful thing to watch the way she loved. So many events of being a part of her life have been spinning in my head. How does anyone tell all of the tales of forty years. Just know, she was the kind of friend, wife, mother, and grandmother all women aspire to be.
Watching her watching her children and grandchildren or, giving the details of their accomplishments as they competed in athletics was just a small indication of her being the most loving of moms and grandma.
As we grew older, and as in life, change came about. No matter, we always found our way right back to each other, being in the sisterhood that was meant to be. She was easy to forgive and she forgave so easily. She did her very best to make good of a bad situation.
The vacations together, the late night card games, the fun pool times, the many meals we shared, the delights of being moms then grandmas, the laughter, the tears, the many years, will always be in my heart, thoughts, and the blessings of the memories of time we shared will forever keep her spirit alive.
Stacia Ann Miller says
December 28, 2020 at 8:47 pmYou will certainly be missed my friend!!!! 🙏❤️🙏
Jennifer Buchta says
December 29, 2020 at 2:20 pmPatty was a wonderful woman. I have so many great memories with her and the Rust family. My condolences to her family. She will be truly missed.
Jennifer Buchta says
December 29, 2020 at 4:44 pmPatty was a wonderful woman that will be missed. I have many great memories with her and the Rust family. My condolences go out to her family and close friends.
Aimee Rust says
December 28, 2020 at 9:06 pmMy love goes out to my dear, sweet Aunt and her family. I love you and I’m so sorry for your loss.
Aimee Rust says
December 28, 2020 at 9:10 pmMy heart goes to my dear, sweet aunt and her family. I love you all so much. So sorry for this tragic loss.
Jennifer Buchta says
December 29, 2020 at 4:43 pmPatty was a wonderful woman that will be missed. I have many great memories with her and the Rust family. My condolences go out to her family and close friends.
Aimee Rust says
December 28, 2020 at 9:16 pmMy heart goes out to my dear, sweet aunt and her family. I love and miss you all. I’m so sorry for this tragic loss. I truly loved Aunt Pat’s spunky spirit. She is an amazing woman to put up with this family! This time of year is always difficult, remembering the fun we had gathering as a big family for the holidays. I hope she’s continuing to party with those that have gone before her. I love you all so much!
Sharon Davine says
December 28, 2020 at 11:20 pmRobert I remember when you and Patty started dating! That sweet infectious laugh of hers and she always made time for us. The two of you had such a magical life together and all those wonderful trips you went on made memories you will cherish each day. God received another Angel and she will forevermore be watching over you and the family.
Susan Westerfield Crouse says
December 29, 2020 at 12:00 amWhat a beautiful picture and tribute. When I was young and was around the Westerfield cousins we called her Faye. Once we reconnected down the road she was Patty. Nevertheless she always was smiling, laughing, or teasing or joking. Will miss you.
Kristi Price says
December 29, 2020 at 5:33 amMy heartfelt condolences to all of you. I’m so sorry and I’m sending you all of my love and prayers ❤️
Donna says
December 29, 2020 at 1:17 pmA sweet friend from high school. Rest In Peace Patty! God’s speed.
Becky Bohn says
December 29, 2020 at 2:43 pmOur prayers are with the family, So sorry for your loss,,
Becky and Mike BOHN
Becky Bohn says
December 29, 2020 at 2:52 pmSo sorry for your loss.. Our prayers go to the family..
Becky and Mike Bohn
Becky Bohn says
December 29, 2020 at 2:59 pmSo sorry for your loss .. Our prayers are with your family ..
Becky and Mike Bohn
Evansville Eyecare says
December 29, 2020 at 3:33 pmRobert, Larry, Tammy, and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Pat’s passing. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Dr. Kim Haywood-Pfender, Dr. Roger Haywood, Dr. Kyle King and the team at Evansville Eyecare Associates
Susan Helmer says
December 29, 2020 at 3:54 pmTo the Rust Family; please accept our sympathy at the loss of Patty. We will always remember her kindness and her fun-loving personality. Be assured that she is now free of sickness and worry and resting in the arms of Jesus. May your faith carry you through this difficult time until you are reunited with her in our forever home. — Hugs and prayers, Jim and Susan Helmer
Christina Schmits says
December 29, 2020 at 5:34 pmPat was always nice person to say hi
Brenda Drenner says
December 29, 2020 at 9:56 pmI mourn the lost of Pat. She has been one of my best friends for 61 years. We graduated high school together then off to Sullivan we went and then Air Force. We had such an awesome friendship and I will miss her more than words can say. Robert and family my prayers are with you. God gained an angel. Fly high Pat
Patricia Faye (Westerfield) Rust, 72, passed away in Evansville, Indiana on Sunday, December 27th, 2020. She was born in Hartford, Kentucky on July 30th, 1948 to her parents, Lawrence Tomerlin and Doris Avanell (Worley) Westerfield.
She attended Sullivan Business College from 1967 to 1968. She joined the Air Force in October of 1968 serving for four years, even serving abroad in Okinawa, Japan. She met her husband, Robert, during her time in the Air Force. They married on August 25th, 1973 and were married for 48 years. Patty was a free spirit who loved to travel and have fun in the sun. Her and her husband went to Key West with their best friends every year for 20 years. She was fun loving and feisty and always made people smile with her sense of humor and infectious laugh. Her most devout passion was her family. She proudly wore the title of wife, mother, and grandmother. Whether it was a baseball game, cheerleading practice, or family event, she was always there. She loved hugs and snuggles with her children and grandchildren. They truly were the light of her life. No matter how much she was blessed with in this world, she remained humble, kind, and down to Earth.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother-in-law, Larry Bennett; her father-in-law, Charles Rust; and mother-in-law, Eva Elizabeth Rust.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Charles Rust; her children, Larry Michael Rust and Tamera Lynn (Jeremy) Ungethiem; her siblings, Larry (Tonya) Westerfield and Joan Bennett (Westerfield); her brother-in-laws, Henry C. (Pam) Rust and Gary M. (Myeong) Rust; grandchildren, Ava Ungethiem, Evie Ungethiem, and Jackson Ungethiem; and many niece and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Sunset Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 30th from 4-7pm and on Thursday, December 31st from 10-11am with service to follow at 11am. The service at 11am will be live-streamed on Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person. Please call Sunset at 812-477-5316 for log in instructions.
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