Barbara Ann Blust 85, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2023, in Galena, IL.  

A celebration of life will be held at Noon, on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena where friends may gather after 11 AM until the time of the celebration. Born in Chicago, the oldest child to John and Henrietta Bletsch, Barbara spent her life in and around the city of Chicago, where she met her high school sweetheart, Ralph L. Blust. Barbara graduated from St. Luke’s School of Nursing in Chicago and continuing her education through lifelong in-services and ongoing accreditation programs.  She held nursing positions in numerous healthcare facilities throughout Northern Illinois.  These positions included ER nurse, floor nurse, charge nurse, Assistant Director of Nursing, Director of Nursing, and Patient Care Plan Coordinator. Barbara was a devoted wife and mother, holding positions in many school and church organizations.  Barbara enjoyed baking, sewing, and quilting. She is survived by her brother, James (Patty) Bletsch, children, Susan (Donald) Steffan, Ralph J. Blust, Jacqueline (David) Ellers; grandchildren, Sarah (David) Sandlers, Rachel (Toly) Melnikov, Ruth Kimball (John Hutzler), Alexandra Blust, Naomi Kimball, Joshua Kimball, Rebecca (Josh) Anderson, David M. Ellers; step-grandchildren, Donald (Jessica) Steffan, Carolanne Steffan, Kelly (Jason) Brown; great-grandchildren, Adelyn, Noah and Eliana Sandlers, Katerina and Sophia Melnikov, Austin Kimball, and Ronnie and Calvin Brown. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Ralph L. Blust, and granddaughter, Barbara Ann Kimball. The family wishes to thank the staff of Prairie Ridge of Galena, Midwest Senior Care, Galena, and Hospice of Dubuque for the compassionate and comprehensive care Barbara received. Donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to Hospice of Dubuque, at hospiceofdubuque.org/donation