Brenda Lee Rustin

Brenda Lee Rustin obituary, Kentwood, MI

Brenda Lee Rustin

Brenda Rustin Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ofield Funeral Home on Jan. 13, 2025.

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Brenda Lee Rustin (Kauffman) died peacefully after a five-year battle with Lewy Body Parkinson's at The Grand Brook Memory Care of Grand Rapids Michigan on Monday, January 6, 2025 in Wyoming, Michigan at the age of 80. Brenda is survived by her husband, J. Howard Rustin; children, Nettie (David) Eichelberger and Jesse Rustin; grandchildren, Cole (Ali) and Maggie Eichelberger, Kelila, Mehira, and Jesse J. Rustin; and brother, Kevin (Rosemary) Kauffman.
She was born to Kenneth D. J. and A. F. Mae (Peuhl) Kauffman on November 7, 1944 in Toledo, OH. She graduated from Rogers High School in Toledo, Ohio in 1962. She earned a Bachelor's Degree at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. Brenda taught elementary school and was a preschool director and teacher. In her 30s she transitioned to industry and had a fulfilling 40 plus year career. She retired at age 74 from Ranir Inc. of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as a project manager.
Brenda enjoyed spending her time with family and friends. Her wisdom, ability to see the good in everything, laughter, and unconditional love will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, to be notified, friend Howard Rustin on Facebook.
Memorial donations may be made in honor of Brenda Rustin to Rock Steady Boxing, an organization for Parkinson's patients, that worked with her personally in her fight against Parkinson's Disease, at https://rocksteadyboxing.org/support-us/.
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June 8, 2025

Karen Farmer posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2025

Debra Smith posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2025

Ofield Funeral Home posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Karen Farmer

June 8, 2025

Dear Howard and family,
We want to extend our condolences for the loss of your wife and mother. Sending prayers your way.
Sincerely, Frank and Karen Farmer from Harbour Towne Marina, E dock

Debra Smith

January 16, 2025

Not my first memory. I was in Grand Rapids on a business trip and while there, I decided to visit my uncle on my Fathers side who was in a nursing home. Brenda insisted on going with me to this visit. I had recently lost my Father to ALS the previous year. When we arrived at the nursing home and I laid eyes on my uncle, I felt my feet go out beneath me because my uncle looked identical to my father. Brenda took hold of my hand. She held my hand to give me strength and support. She was a beautiful soul and will be missed greatly.

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Ofield Funeral Home

4500 Kalamazoo Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49508

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Sign Brenda Rustin's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

June 8, 2025

Karen Farmer posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2025

Debra Smith posted to the memorial.

January 13, 2025

Ofield Funeral Home posted an obituary.