Esther Brust

Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life." John 11:25

Hardworking, strong, and courageous, Esther Brust was an extraordinary woman to know and love. She was someone with an unwavering commitment to the principles she believed in, her life an inspiration to all who were near. A woman of faith, Esther loved teaching Bible truths as a Jehovah’s Witness, and with her warm personality she drew others near with ease. A loving wife and devoted mother, she was filled with joy to witness her family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she loved very much. Although she will be deeply missed, Esther leaves behind a timeless legacy that is deeply rooted in unconditional love that will be carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

The 1920s were primarily a prosperous time in America when innovation was transforming the way we lived our everyday lives. Things looked drastically different throughout the 1930s as the Great Depression covered our nation and much of the world like a wet blanket. With a soaring unemployment rate, cities, communities, and families were left to do whatever they could to make ends meet. It was just as this decade was dawning that a young couple from Coloma, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on February 14, 1930. Esther was one of four children born to her parents, Alexander and Ida Abraham, and she was raised on the family farm alongside her siblings, Norbert, Kurt, and Trudy. Esther’s mother and father were both German immigrants who were hardworking farmers. In addition, her father was a foundry worker while her mother was a busy homemaker.

Being raised on a farm provided some interesting opportunities for Esther. She wasn’t really fond of farm life, but she did love all the animals - so much so that she often made pets out of them. Esther attended local schools and graduated from Delton High School when she was just a young girl of 16.

New and exciting changes were in store for Esther when she lost her heart to a young and charming Merchant Marine named Kent Brust. They met when she was on a bus trip to visit her brother, and the rest is history as they say. True love blossomed, and with a desire to establish a life together Esther and Kent were married by the justice of the peace, marking the beginning of an enduring love that would span 62 years. Together they welcomed four children including Steve, Mike, Gail, and Todd into their hearts and home. Although Esther did have a cleaning job and worked as a waitress and in a factory for a time, her primary focus was always as a wife, mother, and homemaker. When her family was young some of their lasting memories were made on vacations to California and Mexico.

As her family and friends can attest, Esther highly valued productivity. She was an accomplished baker who also loved cooking for her family and friends. One of Esther’s favorite things was to teach Bible truths to all who were near as she was a deeply devoted Jehovah’s Witness.

All who knew Esther would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. Esther Brust of Plainwell, died on November 22, 2014, at the UpJohn Community Care Facility. Esther’s family includes her children: Steve (Lydia) Brust, Michael (Angie) Brust, Gail (Randy) Blank, Todd (Kimberly) Brust; 9 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren as well as 8 nieces and nephews. Esther was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Kent, and her siblings: Norbert, Trudy, Kurt. A Memorial Service will be held at the Southeast Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses; 4200 Narareth Road, Kalamazoo, MI (269) 342-8103. Please visit Esther’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her memory book online.

“And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4