RUSSELL — Muriel ‘Rose’ Heustis, 81, died July 16, 2026, at HaysMed, Hays, Kan. She was born June 5, 1945, in Penistone, England, the daughter of Shirley N. and Muriel (Booth) Harrell.

Rose graduated from high school in Virgina in 1964. She fell in love with an Army soldier and rode a bus to Fort Sill, Okla., where on Dec. 23, 1965, she married Alfred W. Heustis, Jr. They started their life together in Oklahoma but ended up living all over as she faithfully followed Alfred first in the military and later with his construction job that took them to many different places. She was always the stable rock calmly and effectively managing the household and lovingly nurturing their five children. In 2009 they retired to Kansas to enjoy the quiet countryside. They were members of St. Ann’s Catholic Church of Olmitz. Alfred preceded her in death on Oct. 25, 2022.

She is survived by her five children, Irene Moore of Omaha, Neb., Tonya Heustis of Lebanon, Penn., Alfred Heustis, III of Russell, Kan., Philip Heustis of Winchester, Va., and Christopher Heustis of Markham, Va.; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a brother, James N. Harrell.

Rosary will begin at 10 a.m., with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 a.m., Friday, July 24th, 2026, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Olmitz, Kan., celebrated by Father Warren Stecklein. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Ann’s Altar Society, in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Notices may be viewed and condolences sent at www.nicholsonrickefh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home

P.O, Box 146

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 21, 2026