Bernadine Rust

Bernadine "Bobbie" (Poole) Gookins Rust, 97, beloved mother, grandmother, and great - grandmother, passed away at Genesis Hospital on Wednesday, June 15, after a brief illness. She is survived by her three daughters, Mollie (Max) Winland, of Zanesville; Aleta Jane (Roger) Smidt, of Stephen, Minnesota; Becky (Wes) Collins, of Brookhaven, Pennsylvania; Stepdaughter, Debra (Bob) Carlisle, of Salsbury, Maryland; Stepsons, Randy (Carolyn) Rust of Medina, Ohio; Michael (Diane) Rust, of Brunswick, Ohio; Grandchildren, Olivia (Aaron) Kirkbride, of Duncan Falls; Alex Earich, of Zanesville; MSgt John Johnson, US Air Force, of Alexandria, Virginia; Douglas (Terri) Collins of Springfield, Pennsylvania, Kenneth (Anne) Collins, of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, Sgt Matthew Rust, US Army, Washington; Blake Carlisle of Salsbury Maryland; Erin Carlisle of Washington, DC; and Rebecca Rust of Indiana. She was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren.

Bobbie was born November 28, 1924, in Lancaster, Ohio, daughter of the late Lewis Rolfe Poole and Bertha Faye Campbell Poole, the youngest of nine children. In 1942 on Christmas, she was married to Kenneth Gookins of Zanesville, who was Outdoor Editor for Zanesville newspapers The Signal and The Times Recorder. During WWII years, she traveled to wherever Ken was based, returning to Zanesville following the end of the war. They settled in Zanesville, where Bobbie became a professional homemaker, mother, volunteer, and club participant. While raising three daughters she oversaw the running of the household, while teaching Sunday School at Central Trinity Methodist Church, being a member of CCL and church related circles, as well as serving as Girl Scout leader, room mother many times, and a pie, cake and cookie baker for countless fundraisers. A Superpatriot, she became an avid supporter of Veterans' groups and a student of Civil War History.

Following Kenneth's death in 1971, she worked for Dr. Charles Murray for several years. In 1975, she married Henry Rust of Vermilion, Ohio, blending two wonderful families. They lived in Vermilion for a time, and returned to Zanesville, where Henry passed away in 1996.

Upon returning to Zanesville, she picked up her community work, again teaching Sunday School, participating in the Muskingum County History Society, Chautauqua Book Club, the Civil War Roundtable, the Ladies Auxiliary of the Salvation Army, the Board of Trustees of Central Trinity church, and the Owls senior group. She moved to the Helen Purcell home in 2018.

Bobbie touched hundreds of lives through her work with the church, the schools, and community organizations. She will be remembered as one who loved children, loved Zanesville, loved her country, loved to learn, loved to laugh, always said "yes" when someone was in need, and gave generously of her time and talents throughout her life. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, and especially by her family.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday June 21, 2022 from 1:00 PM-8:00 PM at DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home. Family is accepting visitors at 10 AM Wednesday June 22, 2022 at Central Trinity United Methodist Church. Services will be held on Wednesday June 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Central Trinity United Methodist Church with Pastors Jon Carter and Jon Exman officiating. Burial will follow services at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, in Bobbie’s name, give to a charity of one’s choice or Central Trinity United Methodist Church youth and music departments.

DeLong-Baker & Lanning Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.