Mrs. Rust was a 1940 graduate of Evansville College and received her MA in Education from University of Evansville in 1967. She taught kindergarten in Warrick County for 28 years.
Mrs. Rust was a longtime member of Zion United Church of Christ in Newburgh and was a current member of Newburgh Presbyterian Church.
Mrs. Rust was a charter member of Alpha Omicron chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, past president of Warrick County Retired Teachers and Newburgh History Club. She was a past radio reader for the blind and print-handicapped service and a member of Historic Newburgh Inc.
In recent years, Mrs. Rust knitted and assembled thousands of therapy balls, which she donated to Deaconess rehab for use with stroke and hand surgery patients.
Mrs. Rust was preceded in death by her husband, Eldredge J. Rust, and son-in-law, B. Gene Aurand.
She is survived by two daughters, Anne Rust Aurand, of Newburgh, and Ellen J. Rust, of Indianapolis.
Mrs. Rust donated her body to the Indiana University School of Medicine's Anatomical Education Program.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Friends may contribute a memorial gift to the Nellie Jane and Eldredge J. Rust Scholarship at University of Evansville, Office of Development, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47714 or to the Pet Adoption Center, 5722 Vann Road, Newburgh, IN 47630. Arrangements by Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sally Vonderscher
November 17, 2008
Dear Ellen and Anne,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. She was a kind and thoughtful soul and she touched my life profoundly. She will always have a spot in my heart (as both of you do) and I celebrate her life.
Much love to you both.
Sally
Gail Heidorn-Wolfe
November 3, 2008
Ann, I did not have your mother as a teacher at Oakdale, but I always remember her sweet disposition with students in her classroom. She was a wonderful lady. I am sorry for your loss.
John McNeely
November 2, 2008
Mrs. Rust was my kindergarten teacher in 1969, as well as that of my brother Dan and sister Karen several years before. I will never forget the feeling upon receiving a card from your mother congratulating me on my high school graduation from Castle in 1982. I know my brother and sister received the same and will cherish that memory. Mrs. Rust was a lovely and wonderful woman who held my hand my first day of school as I cried my eyes out in this big, new place. I will always have fond memories of her.

My Family: Angela (Dame), Rev. Joe, John and Isaac McKissick
Angela (Dame), Joe, John and Isaac McKissick
October 22, 2008
I was a kindergarten student at Newburgh Elementary School in the 1969-70 school year. I loved your Mother dearly and saw her several times over the years. She has always been one of my favorite teachers. She stopped by my parents' home some and would see them out and always ask about me and my family. I and my husband Joe visited her a couple of times when we were home for a visit. I only learned of her passing tonight and am deeply saddened. Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you during this time.
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Lori Weaver (Rattay)
October 22, 2008
Anne & Ellen,
I was one of your mothers kindergarten students at Newburgh Elementary in 1968.
I have so many fond memories of your mother. she was one of my favorite teachers.
My mother volunteered at the school and was president of the PTA.
She spoke very highly of your mom for so many years. and when my mother & father passed away your mom remembered both of my parents.
I know your mom has made a difference in a lot of peoples lives.
Newburgh will not be the same without her.
Carol Welte Spillman
October 20, 2008
Mrs. Rust was my kindergarten teacher in 1966 at Newburgh Elementary. I can personally tell you that she influenced my life, you see I became a kindergarten teacher. I am currently in my 25th year of teaching. Following Mrs. Rust example, I have made it a tradition to send my graduating seniors a card. My classroom also has a magic wand, just like we did in 1966! I know I'll never be the teacher that she was, but if I can do half the job that she did I'll be successful. What a remarkable woman!
Scott A. Scales
October 20, 2008
Anne & Ellen.....
I will miss your mom. I had many, many great years of association with her through church and as her financial advisor. Your mom knew so much about the history of Newburgh and always had stories & memories to tell about my mom and grandparents (life-long Newburgh residents).
Nellie Jane was a tremendous lady and I agree with the earlier post that stated "...the world is a better place because of her."
God bless you both.
Carol Nichols (Deffendoll)
October 19, 2008
Mrs Rust was my kindergarten teacher at Newburgh Elementary in 1970. I truly loved her and was just talking about her again a couple of weeks ago. She was the one of the nicest ladies I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
God bless her family! They are truly lucky to have had her in their lives.
Tammy Riley-Thomsen
October 19, 2008
I was so very sad to hear of Mrs. Rust's passing. She was such an amazing woman! She always cared to send cards... for my graduation from high school, my wedding, the birth of my children and almost every Christmas. It was a pleasure for us to share our home with her when she visited Southern California a number of years back. I know she touched the lives of MANY children in Warrick County, God bless you Mrs. Rust!
Rhonda Walters-Healy
October 19, 2008
Your mother touched my life at such a young age. She was one of the most dedicated teachers that Warrick County has ever had. She meant so much to me when I attended her class at Oakdale.
She was always so patient with us.
I too was one of the talkers in her class. She inspired me to do the best I could.
When my mother died in 2005 she took the time to come to the funeral home.
I never had a chance to tell her afterwards how much that meant to me. She remembered all her children through the years.
That says so much to how special she was to all of us that attended her class.
Not many people touch your lives but she was one of those special angels that did. I credit her for all the future teachers that she taught during her years in Warrick County.
I thank God for bringing her into my life.
Your mother was so special and loved by many.

Gail (Lutz) Hockerman
October 19, 2008
Mrs. Rust was also my kindergarten teacher many years ago at Oakdale in Boonville. I have many wonderful memories because she was such a good and caring teacher. Many children received an excellent start in school because of her loving and kind personality and I was one of them. My condolences to Anne and Ellen.
Betty Lance Broshears
October 18, 2008
I have known Nellie Jane since I was a little girl. I don't know if Newburgh will ever be the same without her.She has touched many lives and it has been joy to have known her.
Shellie and Brian Broshears
October 18, 2008
Mrs. Rust was my kindergarten teacher at Newburgh Elementary in 1966. She also taught my husband at Yankeetown. She always remembered everyone of her students and their family members, even as the years passed. She never forgot a name, and we have always received cards or phone calls during different milestones in our lives. She was a very thoughtful and special person who will be dearly missed.
Faith DeVaughn
October 18, 2008
My deepest condolences to the family. Mrs. Rust was my kindergarten teacher at Newburgh Elementary. I was one of the few African American students attending school. She was a dedicated teacher who looked beyond racial, social, and economic differences and loved all children. The world is a better place because of people like her.
Faith DeVaughn
Morrisville NC
Carole Ossenberg-Stefanich
October 18, 2008
Mrs. Rust will always be special to me! She was a wonderful teacher, and I have so many memories of me being in kindergarten in 1971~ and it's all because of her! I always smile when I think of her~ I am now 42 years old & still hold a place for her in my heart!
Robin Kelly-Wiseman
October 18, 2008
I was also one of her kindergarten students. I have many memories of her from growing up in Newburgh. I admire that her final act was to allow future doctors and nurses to have the benefit of her generous donation. What a wonderful and generous life she lived.
Brigette Hill
October 18, 2008
Mrs. Rust was my kindergarten teacher at Yankeetown, she made the transition to school a wonderful and loving experience. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, but what an impact she made on so many lives.
Bettye Bracher
October 18, 2008
I remember Mrs. Rust as my son Dennis Bracher's Kindergarten teacher at Oakdale in Boonville. She was so kind and patient with him( he was a talker). She was always so gracious when I would happen to see her out and about and would always say just give me a minute I know who you are and then she would come up with the name. The world of Education had a jewel when she was teaching.
kelli ellis (kemp)
October 18, 2008
Ms.Rust was my kindergarden teacher at Yankeetown elem. in 1975. she will be missed.
Jan Rodgers
October 18, 2008
My deepest condolences to Nellie Jane's family.
I spent my early years of teaching with Nellie Jane at Yankeetown. She taught my youngest daughter's kindergarten class. I also enjoyed walking with her through her yard and hearing of years ago. My yard has plants and flowers that Nellie shared with me. I will miss my friend and remember her as I tend my plants.
Winn Arnold
October 18, 2008
ANN
I AM SO SORRY TO READ OF YOUR MOTHER'S PASSING. MY SYMPATHIES GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. YOU MAY NOT REMEMBER ME. I GRADUATED IN 1969 CASTLE WITH YOU.
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