Diana Elizabeth Rust

Diana Elizabeth Duke Rust, a graceful soul whose life danced through joy, faith, and deep connections, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, surrounded by her loving family, at the age of 90. Born on December 28, 1934, in Winnipeg, Canada, to Scottish immigrants John and Elizabeth Duke, Diana's early years were filled with the rhythm of movement, as she discovered her passion for dance at just three years old. She trained with the prestigious Royal Canadian Ballet, captivating audiences with her poise and spirit until her marriage at 18.
On June 29, 1953, Diana married the love of her life, Carl Edward Rust, beginning a partnership that spanned decades and carried them across North America-from Englewood and Lancaster, California, to Nashua, New Hampshire, and later to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Together, they built a legacy of warmth and adventure, raising a family bound by love. Diana's love for Jesus guided her life, and she served faithfully as a nursery worker at Wright Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach for over 30 years, nurturing generations of children with her gentle care and steadfast faith. A devoted member of the British Wives Club for five decades, she forged close friendships that enriched her life and countless others. Her hobbies brought light to those around her: she was an avid quilter, weaving stories into every stitch, a devoted reader whose shelves overflowed with tales, and a cherished friend who delighted in weekly long-distance phone calls with her dear Canadian friend Dixie, a bond that began in first grade and endured a lifetime. She also loved gathering for lunches with friends, filling those moments with laughter and shared stories.
Diana is survived by her children: devoted and loving daughter Marlena Sharon (Rust) Hembree and her husband Bryan, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, proud grandparent to Brendan Thomas Hembree, son Eric Conrad Rust and his wife Patricia, of Sykesville, Maryland, grandparent to Mitchell Smith, Mikayla Rust, Jordan Rust, and Megan Rust; and "adopted daughter" Lavonda Santamoor and her husband Tom, of Pulaski, Tennessee and her cherished granddaughter Savannah Elizabeth Rust Layne, daughter of Lavonda Santamoor and the late Warren Rust, Savannah's husband Eddie Layne, and their daughters, her great-grandchildren, Skylar Layne and Ensley Layne, as well as a wide circle of friends who were like family. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Carl Edward Rust; her beloved sons Craig Kennedy Rust and Warren Edward Rust; her parents, John and Elizabeth Duke; her loving cousin Joan (Joanie) Goddu, and other cherished family members.
Diana's grace on the dance floor was matched only by the elegance she brought to everyday moments-whether quilting a blanket for a new baby, sharing her faith in the nursery, nurturing friendships through the British Wives Club, or savoring conversations over lunch and long-distance calls. Her legacy lives on in the laughter of her family, the patterns of her quilts, the children she cared for, and the steps she taught us all to take with joy and love.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smile Train or the American Heart Association in her memory.
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