Rusty Girard, 71

Rusty Lynn Girard, age 71, of Union, Michigan died on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at Elkhart General Hospital after a valiant and brave battle with cancer. He was born on December 8, 1953 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the son of Carley Stump and Bonnie (Kennedy) Stump.

He retired from Elkhart Plastics.

Rusty is survived by his daughters, Crystal L. (Jonathan) Bowers and Amber L. (Travis) Gruver, Grandchildren; Natasha Girard, Nathan Girard, Christopher Weirich, Simon Wierich Jr., Hunter Bowers, Kurt Rogers, Anna Morey, Damian Gruver, Sarah Gruver, Ali Fish, Breanna Fish, his Great Grandchildren; JakobAndujar-Sanchez, MayLeigh Girard, Damion Girard, Malcolm Weirich, Callen Weirich, and his Great-Great Grandchildren; Remington Curtis J Bowers (in utero), and Riley Rogers.

He is also survived by his siblings, Arley Stump, Easter Hall-Warschauer, Charles (Barbara) Stump, and Richard Stump. He has numerous nephews and nieces who cherished him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter; Heather I. Fish, grandson; Kayden Gruver, siblings; Sandra Raines, Rodney Stump, Guy Stump, James Rittenberry-Adams, Jeannie McCormark, nephews Rodney Hall, Randy Hall, Carl Hall, Ronnie Stump, and nieces Arlene Hemphill, and Kristen Raines.

Rusty lived in New Mexico for several years with his sister, Easter and her husband , Ralph. He was Ralph’s caregiver who had been in poor health who passed away in 2006.

Years later, Rusty moved to Ridgely, Tennessee with Easter to help her with the maintenance and repair of a 110 year old house she had purchased. Rusty was well loved and respected by everyone in Ridgely. He and former Ridgely Police Chief Terry Pearce became best friends.

Most recently, Rusty moved back to Union, Michigan and lived with his daughter, Crystal and her husband, Jon Bowers. Crystal took exceptional care of Rusty during his final months, giving him the opportunity to spend as much time as he could with those he loved the most. Rusty enjoyed being able to spend time with his daughters and all his grandchildren.

Rusty was a born again Christian and we assured that we will all be reunited with him in the presence of Jesus.

Services will be scheduled at a later date in Michigan and in Tennessee.

Arrangements by the Farrand Funeral Home of White Pigeon.