The Reverend Norma Andrus Rust, 86, of Simsbury, wife of the late Frank J. Rust passed away peacefully Monday, May 7, 2018. Born May 2, 1932 in Simsbury daughter of the late Arthur G. and Elizabeth (McHenry) Andrus, she was a lifelong resident of Simsbury. She was a graduate of the Hartford Seminary where she received her Masters in Divinity and had received her Doctor of Ministry from Drew School of Theology. Reverend Rust served as Pastor at several area United Methodist Churches including the Forestville UMC, the Kensington UMC, the Middletown UMC and the UMC in Baldwin, Long Island. After her second retirement as Pastor, Reverend Rust came home and shared her talents with the Simsbury United Methodist Church as Pastor of Visitation. She was a pioneer of women serving in the ministry. Norma had a love for gardening and enjoyed traveling.
She is survived by her nephew, Donald F. Rust, Jr. and his wife Teri of Granby, her niece, Joan Johnson and her husband Ralph of Canton and several extended family members. She was predeceased by her brother, Robert E. Andrus and her sister, Frances L. Andrus.
Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Friday, May 11th from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, May 12th, 10:00 AM at the Simsbury United Methodist Church, 799 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. Burial will follow in Simsbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Assoc., P.O. Box 301, Simsbury, CT 06070. Please visit Norma’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.