Sharla Dean Gustin, 58, died at St. Vincent's Hospital on Aug. 29, 2007, after battling many years of health complications. She was born the daughter of James and Phyllis Jean (White) Ledbetter on June 10, 1949, in Spokane, Wash. She grew up and received her education in Washington. As a young woman she moved to Billings, where she earned her LPN and worked at St. V's as a pediatric nurse for 23 years. She met and married Ken J. Gustin in Great Fall. They raised their family in Billings. Sharla was dedicated to her nursing career but especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and taking care of pets.
Sharla is preceded in death by her parents; her twin sister, Darla Downs; and her nephew, Kevin Downs. Survivors include her sons, Kenny (Anna) Gustin of Preston, Idaho, and Chris Gustin of Billings; her daughter, CarolAnn; and her two grandchildren, Kayla Marie and Chaz Joseph.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, Sept. 1, at 2 p.m., at Dahl Funeral Chapel.
This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.
Shar I Really miss you. You were a great sister in-law. I will always remeber how you welcomed me to the family. I only wished we could have spent more time togeather We think of you often. I know you and Darla are happy to be back together again. we will miss you both.
Brenda gustin
January 23, 2008 | Lilburn, GA
Shar was such a beautiful, kindhearted person. I worked with her for over 5 years at St. V's. I have so many great memories of her--mostly of the kind words she would speak and the kind things she would do for both the kids and her coworkers. She was truely an amazing person. And although she will be greatly missed I am glad she is in heaven where she has a brand new body and will be so free and happy!
Jennifer Renshaw
September 05, 2007 | Twin Peaks, CA
Shar was an amazing person. Truly one of the sweetest people I have ever met in my life. She would do anything for anyone and she loved her kids and grandkids with all her heart. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Mandy Miller
September 04, 2007 | Billings, MT
Mom, you will be dearly missed. We are so sorry that you were so sick for so long and wish we could have made it all just go away. We know you are in heaven with your parents, sister, and you pets and you don't hurt anymore. You will be in our hearts forever. From the bottom of my butt cuz it's bigger than my heart!! (you always thought that was so funny)
Love always,
Carol Ann, Kenny, Chaz, and Kayla
Carol Ann Gustin
September 03, 2007 | Billing, MT
I loved Shar very much. I lived with her for awhile after Kenny and my son was born. I will miss her a lot. I know she is in heaven with her cats, dogs and bunnies.
Jennifer Gustin
September 03, 2007 | Logan, UT
When we purchase our first house in Billings, I talked to a Neighbor (Ken) and he said his wife's name was Shar. I told Ken that in the early '70's, I worked with a Shar in Great Falls. It turned out it was the same Shar. Shar was a really good friend and will be missed.
Dave Davie
September 01, 2007 | Billings, MT
