Gale L. Foust

She grew up in Maywood and later moved to Wheaton where she graduated from Wheaton High School. After that, she went to West Suburban Hospital where she received her nursing certificate. Gale enjoyed working in the hospital and in the maternity ward. She attended Emmaus Bible School for one year where she met and married William Allen Montrose. They had four children, Timothy, Susan, Ted, and Sharon. She later became a single mom, raising four children with the help of her parents. During that time, she graduated from Judson College, in Elgin, where she got her bachelor's degree in nursing to become a school nurse.

In 1982, Gale married Kenneth Foust of Bartlett, who had three children, Lisa, David, and Jennifer. With seven children, they were now one big family.

Gale and Ken were faithful Christians and began a ministry at Willow Creek Community Church for special needs adults, called Special Friends (now called Willow Friends). They served faithfully as leaders and creative directors for 25 years. Not only did this ministry fill these families with hope, joy, and gratitude, it became another family to both Gale and Ken. To their credit, this ministry has continued to grow at Willow Creek, and other churches as well. It’s a true testament of how Gale lived her life in giving to others. Gale’s faith was part of who she was, and she cared deeply about others. She was an inspiration to us all and led by example.

Gale treasured family and friendships near and far, connecting with them through phone calls, letters, emails, and text messages. She enjoyed trips to Branson, Missouri, Manitoulin Island, Canada, and Wisconsin. Gale loved planning get togethers for birthdays and holidays. She had fun playing Rook, Scrabble and Yahtzee and newer games online. She enjoyed playing the piano and was an avid scrapbooker with many photo albums and thousands of pictures.

Her family was blessed to call her daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was a friend to all and will be greatly missed. We know she is now rejoicing with Christ in Heaven and with those who have gone before her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the Joy of your Lord.” Mathew 26:23

Gale is survived by her loving children: Tim (Debbie), Susan (Doug), Lisa (Todd), Ted (Dayna), Sharon (Carl), Dave (Hiona), and Jen (Phil).

Grandmother, GG, and Nana to 14 amazing grandchildren: Lorena Montrose (Israel), Malisa (Chris) LaPlante, Sabrina and Logan Montrose, Jenna Stitt (Billy), Joshua Stitt, Rhyana Steffen, Janelle (Ryan) Stelter, Tripp Turchik, Michael, Sarah and Matthew Wanta, Bethany and Shannyn Montrose.

Lucky great grandmother to Zaid and Veda Diaz, and Tobias LaPlante.

Gale is also survived by her younger brother Chuc (Linda) Willson, of Canada.

Preceded in death; parents, Charles and Cleda Willson, as well as brother Lawrence Willson; Husband Kenneth Foust of 43 years, and William Montrose.

Visitation will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West Funeral Home, 17w201 Roosevelt Road, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181, on Saturday, September 12, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by the Funeral Service at the same location at 12:00 pm. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Gardens West Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to:

Emmaus Bible School

Dubuque IA

https://www.emmaus.edu/partner

Willow Creek Community Church

Willow Friends Ministry

Barrington, IL

https://www.willowcreek.org/give