Ellen Bennett Vest

February 12, 1958 - November 29, 2023

Ellen Bennett Vest of Christiansburg, Va left to light the way for all who loved her on November 29, 2023. Born in Radford, Va, 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 January 13, 2024, at the Christiansburg Presbyterian Church at 2pm. Ellen’s family will receive friends and well-wishers afterwards in the church’s Fellowship Hall. 

You are very loved and missed! 💔😢

Sending all of you so much love 💕 Ellen was such a wonderful human being, she was so kind and welcoming ….and an amazing cook. She had a spirit that lit up any room, or tailgate. Our hugs and hearts go out to all of you ❤️

My friend..full of beauty..charm..class and fun..I will remember our talks and our aerobics classes..You were one of a kind. Forever in my heart Tammy Rutrough

You are in my thoughts and thoughts prayers

Ellen, your smiles and kindness will be missed. Your light is shining brightly in heaven.

I’ve always cherished knowing Ellen. We rarely were able to catch up, but when we did she always made me feel like the only person in the room. I’ll never forget the night before my first big move, I was 12 years old, her and Clay imparted some wisdom I’ll never forget. “Always make your bed first when moving. Cuz you’ll be too tired to do it later on”. I still think of them when I make my bed and I still take that advice (and give it) with every move. Here’s to a life well lived and loved. On to your next journey ♥️

There are some people who light up the world. Ellen loved deeply and is deeply loved. She will be missed and remembered every day.

I'm so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. She was a bright, sweet and compassionate person, who always had a smile and kind word for everyone. Sure will miss her at the family gathering.

So sorry for your loss. Sending our deep condolences.

There is a brighter star in heaven with Ellen there. Heart break will slowly heal but will never go completely away. Love and Prayers Connie

For me, it will always be a great mystery of life how someone so vibrant and who cared about SO MANY people could leave us so suddenly without any of us being able to show her the care she had shown to all of us. I will miss her like none other. She was special and unique and a friend to us all. Ellen brightened our world! I hope she knew how truly loved she was.❤️

So sorry to hear this unexpected news. Ellen and my mom made sweet dill pickles almost every summer. Ellen was such a fun and full of life person. She always brightened a room with her sweet smile and laughter. Gone too soon.

So sorry to hear of her passing

We're going to MISS 😪 Ellen she was a BEAUTIFUL lady always a pleasure when we're together (Butternut Farm Club) 😊 at Carlos & Debbie's get togethers on many different occasions we were graced with her presence we're going to miss you as part of our crew.😪 Heaven has really gained a beautiful ANGEL 😇!! 🙏🏾😪🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

I had the pleasure of growing up with Ellen- indeed we were very close. Fly free, my friend! ❤️

Very saddened to hear of Ellen's passing. She was always very sweet friendly to me. We were graduating members of CHS Class of 1976. My deepest and heartfelt condolences to all family and friends during this difficult time. 🙏

Have known and loved Ellen for years being in Virginia. She was like a bonus daughter as her mom was a dear friend! ( as were Jo Stanton and Emily) She was always there for others, full of love and great food! Feel so blessed that Ellen and Emily came to Michigan this summer to visit. She will be sorely missed but never ‘gone’ as she will live in my memories forever. Sending love and a full heart to Emily and Howie, and Kate...