Selma Vust

On Friday, June 8, 2018, Selma Vust passed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour at the age of 94 years.  Selma was born on January 12, 1924 at the family home in Lyon County, Iowa.  She was the second child of Henry and Grace Vust.  In 1946, she and her brother Alvin came to Canada to work and to check out this “New Country” because her father was considering moving the family, which by then had 14 members, to Canada.  In 1947 the rest of the family moved to the Portage District.                  

From an early age, Selma helped keep house and raise her younger siblings.  She spent long hours cooking, baking, sewing and mending for the family and gardening was a special treat for her.  She diligently cared for her parents until their passing and also her brothers Harry and Gilbert for as long as she was able.  From time to time, she took delight in “baby-sitting” her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  It is therefore no surprise that she named  “Family” as her “favourite things.”                 

 For some years she worked as a seamstress at Andy’s Cleaners.  She was also employed as a child care provider for a number of families.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Selma faithfully served the Lord wherever she went.  She was a charter member of the Bible Baptist Church and over the years served as Treasurer, Sunday School teacher, Social Convener and Awana worker.  Although she was first to say that she often failed her Lord, Selma was an example of steadfast  faith and trust in Him.                                                                                                                                                                       

  In 2016, poor health made it necessary for her to take up residence at the Douglas Campbell Lodge, a new life to which she adapted nicely, quickly endearing herself to the workers there.  Family members wish to express our sincere thanks to all who cared for her at the Lodge.  Also thank you to Dr. Quesada who frequently called her “remarkable”.                                                                                                                                                       Selma is survived by 4 brothers; Alvin (Jenny), Merle and Roy (Darlene) all of Portage and Frank (Ruth) of Winnipeg, MB., 4 sisters; Freda Moman, Joyce Vust, Lois McCormick (Jack) and Alice Vust  all of Portage. Many nieces and nephews, great- nieces and great-nephews also remember her fondly.  Selma was predeceased by her parents, two brothers, Harry and Gilbert, one sister Martha Hoyes as well as two brothers-in-law, Keith Hoyes and Albert Moman and one sister-in-law Marianne Vust.                                                                                                                                                   In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations may be made to the Douglas Campbell Lodge Foundation, 150 9th Street S.E. Portage la Prairie, MB. R1N 3T6,  Bible Baptist Church, 765 Saskatchewan Avenue W. Portage la Prairie, MB. R1N 0P7 or a charity of choice.                               A memorial service will be held at the Bible Baptist Church, at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018 with reception to follow in the lower church hall  A private family interment will precede the service.                         

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