Ellen Bennett Vest, of Christiansburg, left to light the way for all who loved her on Nov. 29, 2023. Born in Radford, she attended school in Christiansburg and attained a degree in Nursing from Bridgewater College.
Ellen believed strongly in the importance of family and friendship. Her loving, nurturing, and gracious nature made all feel treasured and appreciated. Her generosity lifted moods with humor, eased grief through compassion, and banished loneliness with companionship. For most of her adult life she utilized her medical training and experience as a care giver, helping many loved ones through sickness and infirmity.
Ellen lived to bring joy to others, often through thoughtful gifts and cards, and of course food. Wherever she went, she brought the most marvelous food. She made it with heaping spoonfuls of love and an artist’s eye toward aesthetics. Ellen’s motto was always, “Presentation, presentation, presentation!”
Ellen also loved nature. She gardened organically, kept bird feeders full, and adored her sweet dog Oakley. Chickens, peacocks, swans, sheep, and llamas all occupied parts of her life, and she even loved guinea fowl, which is something few of us can say.
Preceded in death by her father, William Bennett, mother Thelma Lucas, step-father Sam Lucas, husband Clay Vest, and great-aunt Bertha Sassaman, she is survived by her uncle Donald Bennett, uncle John Flory (Joan), step-brother Lt. Col. (Ret) Nathan Lucas (Karen), step-sister Myran Moore (Doug), step-daughter Jessica Brevard (Chris); step-grandchildren Caleb, Emma, and Anna; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ellen is also survived by loved ones Wayne Goff, his daughter Kristin Goff and son-in-law Mitch Sutphin, and their son Ryker. Furthermore, memories of Ellen will be deeply cherished by the Vest family of Floyd, and by her many friends too numerous to mention.
All who knew her are left searching for ways to honor Ellen, to make her proud of us. Since she always felt that blooms and bouquets should be given to the living, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Montgomery County, 1183 Flanagan Dr., Christiansburg, Va 24073 or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2362 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
A memorial service will be held on Jan. 13, 2024, at the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. Ellen’s family will receive friends and well-wishers afterwards in the church’s Fellowship Hall. Online condolences may be made at Gardnerfuneralhomefloyd.com. The family is being served by Gardner Funeral Home.
