Ella Garst

(Ella) Jean Wright Garst was with her children when she departed for her heavenly home on Saturday, January 24, 2026.

She was born in 1939 to Leonard A. Wright and Irene L. Wright. She spent her early years in Salem, Va., before marrying her husband of 57 years, Wayne C. Garst, who predeceased her in 2018. She and Wayne enjoyed living in various parts of the state including Smithfield, Chesapeake, Emporia, Zuni, and Windsor before returning to Salem in 1987.

In her 86 years, Jean touched many lives. She enjoyed a fulfilling career in banking and had a long list of customers who sought her out when visiting the many banks where she was employed over the years.

Jean was a woman of great faith. A life-long musician, she was a choir member and a choir director at many different congregations and enjoyed this role until her very last days. As a faithful member of Green Hill Church of the Brethren for the last 38 years, she devoted herself completely to the work of the church and to the congregation that she loved dearly.

A caregiver at her very core, Jean and Wayne added several "children" to their family over the years: Gina Stockton, Wouter Wehberg, and Ifeanyi Onyekaba. She was happiest when her family gathered together.

In addition to her husband and parents, Jean is preceded in death by her brothers, Tommy Wright, Charles Wright, and Lenny Wright.

She leaves behind her daughter, Betsy Garst Cossaboon and husband, David; son, Barry Garst and wife, Stephanie; grandchildren, Ian Cossaboon, Daveon Cossaboon, Tre Cossaboon, Savannah Garst, and Laurel Garst; sister, Brenda Jenkins and husband, Paul; brother-in-law, Samuel Garst and wife, Jeanette; sister-in-law, Donna Wright; and many special cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, Green Hill Church of the Brethren in Salem, Va., with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Green Hill Church of the Brethren (2699 Harborwood Rd, Salem, Va. 24153) or Good Samaritan Hospice (1160 Moose Dr, Christiansburg, Va. 24073). Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.