From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Earl Hall Masteller, 87, Sebastian
March 18, 1938 ~ July 12, 2025
Earl Hall Masteller, 87, of Sebastian, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025. He was the beloved son of Earl A. Masteller and Leah Masteller (née Crowle), and the cherished older brother to Susan Masteller Fleming.
Born in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Earl and his family later moved to Malvern, Pennsylvania, where he spent his formative years. A proud graduate of Conestoga High School, Earl went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from Drexel University while raising a family of four with his wife, Eleanor (née Blessing), whom he married in 1957.
Earl enjoyed a long and successful career in engineering. His journey began in South Jersey and eventually led him and Eleanor to Florida, where he co-founded Masteller & Moler, Inc. with his business partner and lifelong friend, Steve Moler. Earl was deeply committed to his work, and his loyalty to his employees, whom he often referred to as his “second family,” made a lasting impact. He worked well into his eighties, showing unwavering dedication to his profession and the people around him.
In Sebastian, Earl and Eleanor built their dream home along the serene Sebastian River, where they created countless memories and enjoyed quiet moments of nature. Their home became their sanctuary; a place filled with love and warmth.
Earl had a unique ability to connect with people. Whether exploring new restaurants, attending car shows, or simply striking up a conversation, he never met a stranger. His kindness, humor, and adventurous spirit made him a beloved figure to all who knew him.
Family was everything to Earl. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Known for his big heart, strong sense of loyalty, and deep love of family, he found joy in the simple moments spent with his loved ones, as well as in the company of his faithful dog, Monty.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife Eleanor in 2022, Earl leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion after 64 years of marriage. He is survived by his children: Steve, Laura (Robert DiLella), Robin (Patrick Walsh), and Wendy (Chip Swindell); as well as 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Earl and Eleanor’s lives will be held on August 17, 2025, from 4–7 PM at the Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach. Friends, colleagues, and loved ones are invited to join us in honoring their memory. A special remembrance ceremony will begin at 5:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Earl’s memory.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Melba Lucille Wolverton, 94, Vero Beach
November 21, 1930 ~ July 26, 2025
Melba Lucille Wolverton, age 94, passed away peacefully at home in Vero Beach, FL on July 26, 2025.
Melba was born to Paul and Beulah Harp in Winter Beach, Florida.
She graduated from Suwanee High School in Live Oak, Florida.
Melba attended Immanuel Baptist Church.
She worked beside her husband as a bookkeeper at Don’s Electric, which they owned and operated together.
Melba went on mission trips to other countries and also did mission work in the United States.
Survivors include her daughters Mona Drexler (Gary) of Port Saint Lucie, Sheryl McClellan (Darrell) of Port Saint Lucie, and Lucy Doninger of Bainbridge, Georgia; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and five great- great grandchildren.
Melba was predeceased by her husband Donald Wolverton.
A Gathering will be held at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday July 31st, 2025, from 11:00am to 12:00pm, with the Funeral Service beginning at 12:00pm. The burial will take place at Winter Beach Cemetery on August 1st, 2025, at 10:00am.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Marvin Duane Whiting, 87, Vero Beach
September 21, 1937 ~ July 27, 2025
Marvin Duane Whiting, age 87, passed away on July 27, 2025, in Vero Beach, FL. He was born in Detroit, Michigan and moved to Vero Beach, FL in 1975.
Marvin owned and operated the Sea Vista Motel and the Western Auto, both located in Vero Beach, FL.
He graduated from Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, MI in 1955 and attended Northern Michigan University on a math scholarship.
Marvin is survived by his loving wife, Gayle; daughter, Tami White; son, Dale Whiting; granddaughter, Lori (Trey) Higdon; grandsons, Patrick Whiting, James Bass, and Kevin White; great-grandchildren, Chandler Higdon, Avery Higdon, Austin White, and Jase White; brother, Art (Barbara) Whiting; sister, Darlene Whiting, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Marvin was predeceased by his father, Marvin Whiting; mother, Agnes Whiting; sister, Nancy Noll; and sister, Diana Clark.
Entombment will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 6026 U.S. Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34946.
Memorial contributions in Marvin’s name may be made to H.A.L.O. No-Kill Rescue Shelter, 710 Jackson Street, Sebastian, FL 32958.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Charles Craig Rustay, 78, Vero Beach
February 28, 1947 ~ July 23, 2025
Charles Craig Rustay, age 78, passed away with his family and friends by his side on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.
Craig was born in Queens, New York, on February 28, 1947, to Charles and Althea Rustay.
He graduated high school from Amherst, New York, in 1965, proceeding he graduated college from Delhi Tech, New York in 1967. Craig went on to graduate from Kent State School of Architecture in 1970 and continued his education at Virginia Tech. While at Delhi Tech, Craig met the love of his life, Sherrol Green. They married in 1968.
Craig began his career working for his father- in- law, Errol Green, at Green Brother’s Lumber near Jamestown, New York. He later attended Pinecrest Bible Training Center in Salisbury Center, New York, graduating and going on to serve as director of PInecrest Retreat Center in East Setauket, Long Island. Craig also taught at Christ for the Nations on Long Island. On December 25, 1988 Craig, Sherrol, and their four children relocated to Vero Beach, Florida.
Craig worked as an architect for several years. He then continued to work at Central Assembly where he served as an assistant pastor and principal of Indian River Christian School. He went on to co-pastor at Vero Worship Center and later served at New Hope Ministries.
Alongside his ministry work, Craig became an elementary school teacher at Indian River Academy, then a high school teacher at Vero Beach High School teaching Drafting, Architecture, and AutoCAD. He officially retired in 2023 but continued substitute teaching until the Spring of 2025.
Craig was a part of the Sunrunners of Vero Beach and loved running with all of his running friends and children. He completed many races, including marathons and triathlons, with family and friends.
He lived a life wholly devoted to the Kingdom work- faithfully led by the Holy Spirit and steadfast in fulfilling the calling God placed on his life. He was a loyal husband, a devoted father, and a trusted friend. His life leaves behind an honorable legacy- one that points us all to the cross. Craig finished his race, not alone, but hand in hand with the Lord. Now he cheers us on from the sidelines of Heaven, urging us to run with endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Craig was preceded in death by his father, Embley Charles Rustay and mother, Althea Elizabeth Hickock Rustay.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sherrol Eva Green Rustay; his sons Glenn and Christopher Rustay; daughters Kimberly Tappen and Heather Matthews; grandchildren Sean and Danielle Rustay, Eva and Alex Tappen, Lydiah, Elijah, Elliannah, and Emmett Matthews; and brothers Kim H. Rustay and Glenn W. Rustay.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM at New Hope Fellowship, 4425 71st Street, Vero Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, Voice of the Martyrs, New Hope Fellowship, or Bridges for Peace (Christian support for Israel).
Craig’s earthly temple was laid to rest on July 27, 2025, at Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach.
He was deeply loved and will be dearly missed. We look forward to the day we see him again.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Kenneth John Kurutz, 77
May 21, 1947 ~ April 06, 2025
Kenneth John Kurutz passed away unexpectedly at 77 years of age on April 6, 2025, after having undergone a medical procedure two days previously.
Ken was born on May 21, 1947, in the Bronx, New York, to John Albert Kurutz and Veronica Muth Kurutz. He joined his sister Judith who was almost 5 years old at the time. The family moved from New York to New Jersey when Ken was about 3 years old and settled in Bergenfield. He attended Franklin Elementary, Roy W. Brown Junior High School, Bergenfield High School, and Dumont High School. He received his First Holy Communion and his Sacrament of Confirmation at St. John the Evangelist’s Catholic Church in Bergenfield. He married his first wife, Maureen Colontrelle, at the same church in 1966. He and Maureen met in junior high school and married not too long after they graduated from high school. They were married for 22 years and were blessed with three children, John Albert, Kristin Anne, and Jaime Veronica. The family re-located to Vero Beach in 1974, where Jaime was born.
In his youth, Ken was on his own a lot, so he gravitated toward spending time with his neighborhood friends and cousins. There were many funny stories he loved to tell about his escapades with these compatriots. His sister, Judy, came to his rescue several times when his escapades went a little too far. He loved to spend time at Cooper’s Pond in Bergenfield near where some of his cousins lived. One of his favorite things to do was to get up early in the morning and walk for miles with his friends to a favorite fishing spot. On the morning of these fishing trips, before his mother left for work, she would always leave enough change on the table for him to get through the day. This was a loving gesture that Ken remembered all his life and he spoke with warmth and love for his mother whenever he recalled it. Everybody loved Ken – always. If they didn’t love him, it was because they didn’t spend enough time around him to get to know him. Ken was unique. He had many wonderful qualities – one of the finest was that he put family first. Through thick and thin, he never failed to work hard and provide for his family, no matter what was going on in his life. Ken worked in the glass business for over 40 years, first with HBS, Inc., as a business partner with Jack Barrie, then owner of Sunshine Glass, part-owner of KePaJi, Inc., owner of Kenneth J. Kurutz LLC dba Commerce Glass, and as a consultant to Commerce Glass LLC for the past 4 years.
After Ken’s first marriage, he was married again briefly, and then, after several years, he met his third wife, Mary Elizabeth. Luckily for both Ken and M.E., the timing was right, and they were both ready for a committed relationship. It was new and exciting and just what they both needed at almost 50 years of age. They both grew and learned so much from each other and it was, to their amazement, a forever relationship that grew to be as solid as a rock. They were together from 1995 on and married in 1999 in Las Vegas. They both felt so fortunate to have found each other and they were happily married until his death. Ken’s passing has left M.E. bereft, and Ken and M.E.’s two beloved cats, Prissy and Sophie, are still looking for him to walk through the door.
Ken leaves behind his wife of 26 years and companion of 30 years, Mary Elizabeth, his son and daughter-in-law, John and Jessica Kurutz, his daughter and son-in-law, Kristin and Mark Shaw, his daughter and her fiancé, Jaime Hill and Chris Hall, his step-sons Zach Jernigan and Josh Jernigan and Josh’s wife Jess. He was the proud grandfather to Kaitlin Hennessey (Richie), Amber Rabon (David), John Alex Kurutz (Ana), Kenneth Kurutz (Hannah), Carmela Kurutz, Nick Shaw, Samantha Shaw and Bella Hill and step-grandfather to Bryson Lasky, Alexa Jernigan, Breanna Jernigan, and Shawn Williams. He was also the proud great-grandfather to James Shaw, Isaac Kurutz, Magnolia Rabon and Georgia Kurutz and step-great-grandfather to Ava Whiteside, Dominic Whiteside, and Amari Schumaker. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are Ken’s legacy, and he felt so happy and blessed to have them in his life. Ken had many close family members in the Colontrelle and Hart families, as well. Ken is also survived by his former wife, Maureen Walker and her husband Den Walker. Ken was predeceased by his mother, father and sister, Judy Delaney.
It took us a while to publish this obituary, as we are still reeling from the huge and completely unexpected loss we have experienced with Ken’s untimely passing.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital was always Ken’s charity of choice, so a donation to St. Jude’s in Ken’s name would be appropriate and appreciated by his family.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
