WILMINGTON — It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of Phyllis (Rust) Hertler on May 16th ,2022 in Wilmington, NC. Phyllis was born on May 28th, 1931, in Philadelphia, PA the daughter of Harry and Hazel (Lusebrink) Rust. As a young child she moved to Arlington, VA graduating from Western High School in Washington D.C. She attended Smith College for two years before transferring to the University of Michigan from which she graduated in 1953 with a BA degree in education. She later obtained a master’s degree in Guidance and Counseling from Wayne State University.
While at Michigan Phyllis met her soul mate, Allan Hertler. They were married December28th, 1953 and raised two sons and an English bulldog (obtained when she was sick and could not fight it, though she loved the dog as much as anyone in the family – Thanks Mom). Allan and Phyllis moved to Royal Oak where she taught at Northwood Elementary School and later became the principal at Longfellow Elementary School until her retirement in 1993. She and Allan traveled extensively thru Europe and the United States following her retirement and particularly enjoyed classes and lectures at Chautauqua Institutions. She taught English as a second language to a number of students and volunteered as a docent at the Detroit Zoo.
Phyllis was an active lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, and at various times served as a choir mother (Developing the innovation of a rope for the 3- and 4-year-olds to hold onto as they came into the church so they would stay in line!), Deaconess, and member of the Session. Her faith and the church were an important part of her life.
Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Allan, her son Michael, and her grandson Matthew. She is survived by her son Andrew and his life partner Bunny Brier, her brother John Rust of Virginia, sister Elinor of the United Kingdom, as well as 5 grandchildren – Christopher, Megan, Nicolas, Sarah and David and many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to her longtime friend, Helen Dusenbury. Our families spent many happy times together.
At her request Phyllis is to be cremated. A service is to be held at a date to be determined at The First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak followed by inurnment in the church columbarium.
Know that you are loved, Mom. I will miss you but am comforted knowing that you are in the arms of God and with Dad again.
