Jennie Lee Gustison, 88, of Oakville, died July 10, 2024. She was born on October 8, 1935, in Northfield, to Ross and Henrietta Hennings Wilson. Jennie was a lifelong resident of the Oakville area. She had fond memories as a young girl of ice skating, roller skating, singing, and having many get-togethers with her girlfriends. Jennie graduated from Oakville High School in 1954.
On New Year’s Eve of 1954, Jennie married the love of her life and husband of nearly 70 years, Paul Gustison. Together they farmed in rural Wapello and Oakville for 58 years, from 1954 to 2012. She was the model farm wife and homemaker, working alongside Paul to plant and harvest crops, bale hay, and raise free-range hogs and cattle. She also worked outside the home at Thatcher’s, Tri-State Envelope Factory, and the Hopewellian Mounds at Toolesboro where she shared her love of Louisa County History.
Jennie’s family meant the world to her. She and Paul raised three daughters who they cherished dearly: Cynthia Jo, Robin Reneé, and Kimberly Dawn. Jennie was a fun-loving grandmother and enjoyed creating memories and telling stories to her four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Christmas, sledding, summer picnics, and weenie roasts were some of the many family memories out at the farm. In addition to raising her family, taking care of the home, and farming, Jennie enjoyed many hobbies. She was well-known for her home-cooked meals. She enjoyed mowing and gardening, fishing and mushroom hunting, and family genealogy. Jennie and Paul enjoyed socializing with their many friends. She was a member of the Good Will Club. In her later years, Jennie became a whiz with technology, watching cooking videos on her iPad and connecting with classmates on Facebook. Jennie also had several pets throughout her lifetime that she loved dearly. She loved the Lord and was a member of the Oakville Methodist Church.
Those left to remember and love Jennie include her love of nearly 70 years Paul, three daughters Cyndie (Danny) Evans of Muscatine, Robin (Steve) Smith of Wapello, and Kimberly (Eddie) Fisher of Wapello; four grandchildren: Betsy (Marty) Duffy, Andy (Megan) Evans, Lorin Fisher, and Lydia Fisher; four great-grandchildren: Lily, Hank, Danny, and Grace; and her brother Warren (Patsy) Wilson of New London (a veteran of the Cuban Missile Crisis).
Jennie will be welcomed to Heaven by her parents; a son in infancy; and her brothers (all World War II veterans) Valdo “Sonny” Alderson, Louis “Buddy” Alderson (a prisoner of war), and Norville “Tom” Alderson.
As Jennie entered Heaven, she was serenaded by a special rendition of “Welcome to My World” by Eddie Arnold and Jim Reeves. “Lay Your Head on My Pillow,” is the special song for Paul to remember Jennie until he joins her in Heaven.
Family and friends may visit at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street, on Monday, July 15 from 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Jennie will be laid to rest at Aspen Grove Cemetery in Burlington. Graveside services will be held on Monday, July 15 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Oakville Ambulance Service.