Say Hello to Her and Uncle Tracy. Will love your forever.

Goodbye beautiful neighbor. You made such a wonderful impact on our lives! Your beautiful eyes reflected the softness and gentleness of your true heart and your red hair the fun fiery opinionated full of love and personality! I remember when I called you “sweet” and you corrected me, and said IM NOT SWEET, and you said IM RUSTY !! 😆… but let me correct you…. You were sweet to care so much about my daughter. You taught my daughter so much in one short year as a new homeowner. I wished there were more Rustys in the world !! I never did get to have that bloody mary drink and swim with you, but our carside conversations on the lawn and phone were like we were two old souls that saw life in the same way with vigor and the valued decency and preciousness of ilife and family. Although we felt like we knew you forever, we never met anyone like you before and feel our lives are better and forever changed because of you, our dear neighbor. You even supported my daughters new cosmetology business and proudly told me you wanted to be her first customer . She was enamoured by you. 
🥹 Even when you couldn't talk after this happened, you squeezed her hand as she did your makeup at your bedside . We imagined that meant you approved and “thankyou”, but it is us that Thank YOU for filling our hearts with your charm, poise, and neighborly love. You are one in a zillion 💝 We will always hear your zesty southern voice and see your gorgeous face in the wind 🌬️ nextstore. 🍹 Im having that bloody mary in your honor . We humbly thank you for so much in such a short time 😌 and introducing Edanna to your amazing family we always heard so much about.

There isn’t enough space here to write just how much we loved Rusty and what an incredible impact she had on our lives. I talked with her everyday usually and we would text each other very often. I have found myself the last few days picking up the phone to call her or text her something I know she would love to hear and talk about. Our hearts are broken and I know her families are as well over losing her. I will always remember her throughout my life and miss her telling me, “I love you bud…” I will miss those hugs from her and her laughs and her love. We always knew we were welcomed and loved at Rusty’s Resort. We talked a day or two before her illness and we had a long conversation about life. Before we hung up she said, “You know how much you and Jackson mean to me and how much I love you and I want you to take care of yourself more…” I told her I love her and can’t wait to see her soon. She replied, “Get your ass down here.” We both said we love each other and hung up. Rusty you will be in our hearts forever.

Janie Pasty and Jerry we have had a lot fun together and. Loved each other very much.

Rusty will really be missed. She would light up a room when she entered with her wit, charm, and personality. We are praying for the family during this sad time but remember all the love and laughs she gave us. RIP sweet Rusty.

Rusty was a friend of my mom, Cookie Hopwood. Rusty cut our hair for years. We always loved going to see her at her salon. She showed me how to straighten my wavy hair, and I’ll always love her for that.
I had the privilege of running into her a few times at Icabod dockside this past year. I recognized her immediately and went up and introduced myself. I’m so glad I did as we had a nice chat when I would see her.
She was a forced to be reckoned with and a wonderful woman. She will be missed.
Sincerely, Joni Hopwood Hampton

OBITUARY

Rusty "Patsy" L. Howard

April 19, 1940 – April 29, 2024

Fountainhead Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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