Merna J. Rusk

Merna J. Rusk, 96, of Newton, died Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Newton Village. A private family burial will be held at a later date. The Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton is handling the arrangements. The family requests a moment of reflection on the joy of life in lieu of flowers or donations.

Merna, the daughter of John Preston and Lena May (Fee) Graham, was born June 6, 1929, in Newton. She graduated from Newton High School in 1947 and then obtained her teaching certificate. She later attended Central College to receive her B.A. in business. Merna was united in marriage with Claude A. Rusk on August 28, 1951, in Newton. Merna had worked at the First United Methodist Church and taught at 2 country schools before pausing her career to be a stay-at-home mom when her children were young. She then worked as the business manager for 18 years at Rusk Home Center, which she and Claude co-owned. She also was the business manager for the family’s farms. Merna was very active in her community as a member of Golden Kiwanis, the League of Women Voters, the Oak Ridge Grange, the Farm Bureau Ladies’ Committee, the DAR, Wittemberg Church, and the Jasper County Farm Bureau board. She also served on the Skiff Hospital board and the Municipal Judicial Nominating Committee. Merna enjoyed singing and was a longtime member of the Harmonettes choral group. She enjoyed birdwatching, conservation, politics, traveling, reading, and taking care of her family—including raising her 6 children. Merna never lost passion in her interests over the years. Throughout her life, she also valued the warm friendships she had made with those who became her chosen family.

Merna is survived by her 6 children: Randall Rusk of Newton, Tony (Catherine) Rusk of Tijeras, New Mexico, Martha Rusk of Chicago, Illinois, Ann (Dale) Goodrich of Montezuma, Brian (Lisa) Rusk of Colfax, and Jon (Marjeanne Scheff) Rusk of Newton; 8 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Claude; daughter-in-law, Jeannie Rusk; grandson, Jaden Rusk; and her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Bradley McMain.