Berna Maxine Gustaitis

Berna Maxine Gustaitis, a cherished soul whose laughter and warmth touched the lives of all she met, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, in St. Peters, Missouri. Born on May 1, 1946, in Kewanee, Illinois, Berna was a beacon of joy and love, with a sweet and spicy personality that brought light to every room she entered.

A proud graduate of Waterloo High School in Waterloo, Iowa, Berna pursued a fulfilling career at the Hallmark store, where her love for collecting Beanie Babies and ornaments flourished. This passion was not just a hobby; it represented her vibrant spirit and her ability to find beauty in the simplest things. Berna was known for her knitting, a skill that she lovingly shared with family and friends, and she relished the special moments spent leading the Brownies for her daughters, instilling in them the values of creativity and camaraderie. She enjoyed her time as a Member and Secretary for the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Auxillary.

Family was the cornerstone of Berna's life. She was married to her beloved husband, David Andrew Gustaitis, on November 29, 1974. Their love story spanned over 50 beautiful years, and together they built a nurturing home filled with laughter, kindness, and memories that will be cherished forever. Berna is also survived by her beloved children, Timothy S. (Connie) Patnoe, Tami S. (Thomas) Wells, and Traci M. Gustaitis, who together with their families brought her immeasurable joy.

As a grandmother, Berna took tremendous pride in her grandchildren: Anthony (Nary) Patnoe, Ian Wright, Sydney Wells, Gabrielle Hausladen, Tristin Wells, Elizabeth England, John Ely, Crystal (James) DuPage Ely, and Eric Ely. Each of them was a shining star in her life, and she loved attending their events, cheering them on with all her heart. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Lilly Sheets, Evelyn Patnoe, Aidan Patnoe, Christina Porter, Isaiah DuPage Ely, and Illias DuPage Ely, whose bright smiles reflected the love she so generously spread.

Berna leaves behind her siblings: Verne (Kay) Hampton, Zoe Langdon, Nick Hampton, Randall (Pam) Hampton, Doug (Jackie) Hampton, and Robin (Jay) Andrews. She was also dearly loved by numerous nieces and nephews, each sharing treasured memories of their time with her.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Wren Hampton II and Shirley Hampton, and her brothers, Wren (Becky) Hampton III and Gary Hampton. Though they may no longer walk beside her, their spirits remain intertwined with hers in an everlasting bond of love.

As we remember Berna Maxine Gustaitis, we honor a life lived fully and a heart that embraced others wholeheartedly. Her legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will resonate in the lives of her family and friends for generations to come. Surrounded by her loving family at the end, Berna has left us with a profound sense of gratitude for the time we shared with her. We will carry her memory in our hearts forever.