Elda Jean “EJ” Austin passed away at home in Rodney, MI on Monday, April 6th. She was 79 years old.

Elda was born on November 17, 1946, at home in Boon, MI to Russell Lee Sr & Dorothy May (Mowrey) Austin and they preceded her in death. She attended Mesick schools, where she met her first husband, Dallas Schuster Sr. Together they had 3 sons, Dallas Jr, Ronald, and Daniel. Most recently she was in a long-term relationship with Charles “Charlie” Gilmore and he preceded her in death in 2024. EJ enjoyed watching the birds, gardening, decorating and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children: Ronald Michael Schuster of Rodney and Daniel Ray (Andrea) Schuster of Cadillac; daughter in law Paula Schuster of Cadillac; grandchildren: Joy (Josh) Beard, Zakary Slocum, Pallas Schuster, Douglas (LaNia) Schuster, Dustin Schuster, KayLee Schuster, Sara (Rocky) Trowbridge, David (Lester) Shuster, Simon Schuster; great-grandchildren: Aaron, DNaiya, Ricardo, Rory, Jameson; siblings: Russ (Joan) Austin, Nancy (Joel) Berenter, Lew Austin, Jerry (Anna) Austin, Mary Austin, Laura (Everett) Simerson; sister-in-laws Linnie Jensen & Lynn Austin; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.

In addition to her parents & partner, she was preceded in death by her son, Dallas Russell Schuster Jr; and siblings: John Jensen, Freeman Austin, Wanda Thompson, Goldie Kay Austin, James Austin, Larry Austin, and Paul Austin. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11 am at Boon Baptist Church. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Dorothy Austin family & friends ACS Relay for Life team.