Donna Jean Rust

Donna Jean Rust of Grand Ledge went to be with the Lord peacefully on November 12, 2023, at home surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born November 29, 1938, in Owosso, Michigan to the late Gordon H. and Gertrude E. (Bruff) Forrester. She graduated in 1956 from Fowlerville High which was the last graduating class before the new high school was built. Donna was a loving and strong wife and mother who supported her Military husband George and raised 3 wonderful children. During her lifetime she worked doing many things, developing pictures for Kodak, selling Avon, cleaning quarters for other military families transferring to other bases, and secretarial work for Capitol City Lumber of Lansing and B&H Industries of Mason from which she retired. Donna was a dedicated and faithful follower of Christ. Through the years she was a member of Immanuel Baptist and Bethany Baptist Churches, at which she was church secretary for both. Most recently she attended Community Baptist Church of Grand Ledge where she continued to love and serve the Lord. Donna loved music, played the piano and organ, and sang in the church choir. Through the years she taught children's choir and also children's Sunday School. She sang with her husband in a group called the Kingdom Heirs, along with special friends Jim Purvis and Sylvia Bailey-Maat. Donna also sang with her daughter Judith and special friend Kay Adams in the Praise Trio. From the beginning of their marriage, due to George's Army career, travel was expected and immensely enjoyed. So many places lived and visited around the world and USA. The love of roller coasters meant many visits to any amusement parks they came across. Donna's love of family made it easy for her grand/great-grandkids to reciprocate that love back to her unconditionally, to which she soaked up that love like a thirsty sponge, looking forward to each visit. We would like to acknowledge the following: McLaren Hospice of Lansing who provided wonderful comfort and support throughout Mom’s journey to heaven. The extremely caring staff at Independence Village of Grand Ledge, who gently cared for her each day and prepared her to go on to her new heavenly home. She is survived by her husband of over 65 years, George; children, Debra A. (Stephen) Patrick, George D. (Penny) Rust Jr. and Judith L. Kleehammer; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeremy) Thibault, Megan (Alex) Bolda, Christopher Rust, Stephen (Sara) Patrick, Jacob (Brianna) and Michael Kleehammer; Step-grandchildren, Dylan (Kim) Lake, Robert (Jess) Lake III, Haley (Branden) Smith, and Morgan Lake; 8 great-grandchildren, brother, Wayne (Merry) Forrester. Donna was preceded in death by her siblings, Phyllis Pitris, Helen Thompson, and William Forrester. A funeral service will be held Thursday, November 16, 2023, 11:00 AM at the Community Baptist Church, 7832 W. Mt. Hope Hwy. Grand Ledge, Michigan 48837 with Pastor Timothy W. Jackson, officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. Memorial contributions in Donna’s name may be given to The Gideons International, Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington DC 20090-7251 (https://www.gideons.org/donate) or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1640, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741 (https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en&_gl=1*1unikh5*_ga*MjgxNDM2NzM3LjE2OTk5NzQ2NjY.*_ga_12CJLLFFQT*MTY5OTk3NDY2NS4xLjAuMTY5OTk3NDY2NS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.231110294.827889681.1699974667-281436737.1699974666). Arrangements by the Holihan-Atkin-Barclay Funeral Home, Grand Ledge. Share your memories and condolences online at www.holihanatkin.com

Donna Jean Rust

November 29, 1938 - November 12, 2023