Eleanor Jean Kabler Custer

Eleanor Jean Kabler Custer, age 75, of Munfordville, KY, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2018, surrounded by her family. Jean was born on November 25, 1942, to the late James R. and Mary Buford Ross Kabler. Jean, as all knew her, was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority and a 1965 graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Nursing (UK’s second class of nursing graduates). She began her nursing career at the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital. She later taught nursing classes at Elizabethtown Community College for several years. Mrs. Custer went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in teaching from Spalding University. In 1992, she continued her nursing career as the first school nurse for the Hart County school system, where she continued working until she retired in 2002. Jean served as the school nurse for five elementary schools and one high school. Jean received many accolades during her professional career, including the Lucille Ross Award and Kentucky State School Nurse of the Year award. Jean also served as board member and President of the Kentucky School Nurse Association. She loved practicing community medicine, but more importantly, she loved all the students and strived to make positive changes in their health and lives on a daily basis.

Mrs. Custer was a lifelong member of Munfordville First United Methodist Church. She held many board offices and participated on numerous church committees through the years. Jean sang in the choir as a child and throughout her adult life. She was a Sunday School teacher and Superintendent of Vacation Bible School for numerous years. Jean also served as chairman of First UMC 200-year anniversary committee.

Civically, Jean always strived to improve her community by serving in various organizations. Jean served as the first chairman of the Munfordville Zoning Board. She was a 50-plus year member of Munfordville Woman’s Club and served as president and chairman of various committees throughout the years. Mrs. Custer also served on the Rape and Crisis Center board for several years in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She was chairman of the Hart County High School’s first after-prom breakfast, and continued to chair the committee for over a decade.

Mrs. Custer was a 50-plus year member of Munfordville Order of Eastern Star #322. She served in various capacities, such as Worthy Matron and alter as Grand Representative of Kentucky to Manitoba, Canada.

Jean is survived by her loving husband of over 52 years, Douglas S. Custer. Jean will be missed by her two daughters, Nancy Custer Smith (Matthew) of Knoxville, TN, and Emily Custer Henderson (Steven) of Shelbyville, KY. Nancy and Matthew have three children, Franklin Maddox, Anderson Matthew, and Mary Nancy Buford Smith. Emily and Steven have one daughter, Clara Jean Henderson. Jean has four nephews, one niece, and a host of family and friends.

Visitation will be from 10:00 AM CT to 8:00 PM CT on March 3, 2018, at Brooks Funeral Home, 50 Main St., Munfordville, KY and 1:00 PM CT to 2:00 PM CT March 4, 2018 at First United Methodist Church of Munfordville. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM CT on March 4, 2018, at First United Methodist Church of Munfordville, with burial in Munfordville Municipal Cemetery.

An Eastern Star service will be held 6:30 PM CT Saturday March 3, 2018 at Brooks Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of love may be given to the First United Methodist Church of Munfordville Building Fund, 421 Hardyville Rd., Munfordville, KY 42765.