Sally Ann Kustes

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sally Ann Kustes age 91 on June 8th, 2025. She was born in Louisville, KY on January 12, 1934, to parents Edna Brock Connelly and Anthony J. Connelly.

She graduated from Mercy Academy and was then married to the Love of her life, Elmer Leo Kustes, for 54 years.

Sally, along with her husband, was a founding member of St Athanasius church, and continued her membership for over 50 years. During her membership, She and Mo taught Bible study classes

every Sunday. In 1989 they founded the Gift program, donating thousands of Bibles to the people of their community. The program continues today.

Sally had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel like an old friend. To all she met, she was a living reflection of Christ’s love. She was refreshingly candid, and never one to sugarcoat, unless she was baking. Sally lived her faith daily and instilled into others the importance of family and loving others well.

Sally (Meme) is perhaps best remembered as the quintessential grandmother—loving, sweet, generous, and faithful. Her love for Jesus was evident in the way she lived and in the legacy she left through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never missed a sporting event, dance recital, award ceremony, or family gathering. Anyone who sat at her table—whether a friend, a foster child, or a stranger—was welcomed as family and made to know they belonged. Meme was truly one of a kind.

She was mother to Karen A. Bickel (Ken Bickel), Connie M. Kustes (deceased), and Lynn E. Burnette (Rick Burnette). Grandmother to Sonya Matheny, Sean Bickel (Jill Bickel), Lauren Pierson (Joe Pierson), and Holly Cain (Alexander Cain). Proud Great-Grandmother to 13 great grandchildren: Kyle Matheny, Olivia Davis (Matthew), Lily Bickel, Zoe Cain, Victor Hernandez, Josh Matheny, Dylan Matheny, Kylie Matheny, Ava Cain, William Pierson, Rosie Cain, Ruby Cain, and Mary Pierson.

A visitation for Sally will be held at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home 4400 Bardstown Road Louisville, Kentucky 40218 on June 11, 2025 from 4PM to 7PM. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on June 12, 2025 at 10:30AM. Sally will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.