Pauline "Faye" Foust

Funeral services for Pauline “Faye” Foust, 98, of Chariton will be held Monday, January 29, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Chariton. A private graveside will take place at the Chariton Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Monday prior to the service, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., at the church. Memorials may be directed to the First Baptist Church in Chariton or to the Lucas County Inter-Church Council - Food Pantry.

Pauline Faye (Wilhite) Foust was born in Chariton, Iowa to Fielding and Mary Wilhite on November 19, 1925. She was always known as Faye. She grew up in Chariton, graduating from Chariton High School in 1943. She went on to nursing school at Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing. She later embarked on a year-long endeavor working on an Indian Reservation to repay a government grant. This experience took her from Colorado to Washington State and deepened her understanding of different cultures and ways of life.

Upon returning home, Faye worked as a School Nurse at Chariton Schools until she married the love of her life, Neil Foust on March 25, 1948. The couple was blessed with 5 children: Mary Lou, Alan Mark, Barry, Kristin, and Tim. 

In addition to her work at the school, Faye also contributed her skills and expertise at Lucas County Health Center. As a nurse, Faye became quite a pro at giving shots. 

Aside from her professional achievements, Faye thoroughly enjoyed her flower gardens, where she took great pride in tending to them. Additionally, she had a deep affection for dogs.

A life-long member of First Baptist Church in Chariton, Faye found solace in her faith and actively participated in church activities. She embraced the teachings of compassion and generosity preached by the church community. One of her proudest accomplishments was dedicating herself to giving back to those less fortunate through supporting missionaries and embarking on mission trips to Mexico, Alaska, and Appalachia.

In addition to missionary work, Faye volunteered as a hospice in-home caregiver and at the Crisis Center. Her commitment to serving others extended beyond her professional career and further exemplified her selflessness and devotion to making a difference in people's lives.

Faye possessed a competitive spirit and an athletic nature. In her younger years, she played basketball with enthusiasm, demonstrating remarkable shooting skills, and fierce defensive tactics.

Faye's legacy lives on through her surviving family members who will forever cherish their memories together with her. She is survived by her loving children: Mary Lou (Jeff) McDowell, Alan Mark (Diane) Foust, Barry (Carol) Foust, and Kristin (Clifford) Wolf; five wonderful grandchildren, Amanda (Eddie) Rosado, Alison (Bill) Evans, Noelle Scalco, Cullen (Shannon) Wolf, and Taylor (Lacey) Wolf; and sixteen adored great grandchildren.

Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Fielding and Mary; husband, Neil; son, Tim Foust; and siblings: Louis Wilhite, Marguerite Davis, Leta Gray, Hazel Stierwalt, Maxine Randall, Norman Wilhite, Berniece Wilhite, and Winifred Wilhite.

Faye leaves behind a lasting impact on all those fortunate enough to have known her. Her unwavering dedication to serving others, along with her kind heart and infectious laughter, will never be forgotten. She is in eternal peace in Heaven with her Lord.