Nancy J. Rust, age 85, and a lifelong resident Elgin, IL, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026 at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL. She was born February 18, 1941 in Elgin, IL to her loving parents, the late Earl Henry Rust and Mildred (née Haefemeyer) Rust.

A proud graduate of Elgin High School, Nancy went on to earn both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Northern Illinois University. She devoted 38 years to serving the students and families of Woodland Heights Elementary School in U-46 as an elementary education teacher. Nancy possessed a remarkable gift for engaging young minds. She understood that earning the attention of a classroom was the first step toward inspiring a love of learning, and with a simple snap of her fingers, side conversations would cease as her students eagerly focused on the lesson ahead. She treated every child and parent with kindness, dignity, and respect, leaving a lasting impression on generations of families.

Beyond the classroom, Nancy was deeply committed to supporting her fellow educators. She played an instrumental role in the founding of the Elgin Teachers' Association and generously served in several leadership positions, including Vice President, Secretary, and Negotiator. Her professionalism, integrity, and unwavering dedication earned the admiration of her colleagues and made her a trusted advocate within the educational community.

Outside of her career, Nancy found great joy in music, crafts, reading, and the arts. She also held a special appreciation for the City of Elgin and took pride in sharing its rich community with the many friends whose lives she enriched through her warmth, generosity, and friendship.

Nancy's legacy lives on through the many students she inspired, the educators she mentored, and the countless friendships she nurtured throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Nancy will be private interred next to her parents at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL 60120.

Details for a Celebration of Life will be forthcoming.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home.