On August 29, 2026, Vicki Sue McElhatton (Nee Russart), 71, died peacefully surrounded by family at Kathy Hospice in West Bend, WI. Sue was born December 7, 1954, in West Bend, WI to the late Richard and Audrey (Betz) Russart. She graduated from West Bend East High School in 1973. On June 22, 1974, Sue married Bruce McElhatton of Kewaskum at St. Francis Cabrini in West Bend, WI.

Sue was a woman whose greatest gift was making the people around her feel loved, welcomed and cared for. To her family, she was the heart of her home – the person who brought comfort when life was difficult, celebrated every accomplishment no matter how big or small and made sure those she loved always knew they mattered. Her love was unconditional.

Sue found great joy in giving her time as a Girl Scout leader. Teaching, encouraging and laughing with the girls creating memories the scouts would treasure. She was also a member of a monthly craft (Home Makers) group where a bunch of ladies would gather to create different seasonal items to gift or display in their homes. It was through this group that she found her love of woodworking and is known for her wooden ornaments and holiday decorations that she cut and painted sharing with the important people in her life over the years. You could also find her many nights or weekends with a cross-stitch frame on her lap, creating a beautiful keepsake either for on her walls or to gift to a lucky couple on their wedding day.

For many years, Sue worked as a school nurse at Fair Park Elementary, and for so many children and staff she was a familiar and comforting face – the person they knew would make them feel better. After she left the school district, Sue worked at the West Bend Clinic, where she checked in and scheduled patients for the Internal Medicine department. To her, patients were never simply names on a schedule. She listened, cared and did everything she could to help patients get in to see their doctors. For many people seeing her at the front desk was more than a routine check-in, it was being greeted by someone that genuinely cared about them and always going the extra mile.

As a daughter, sister and friend, she was someone people could count on. She was the person who would listen, offer a helping hand, share a laugh or simply be there when she was needed. She gave her love without expecting anything in return. Her life was defined not by what she had, but by what she gave: her time, kindness, laughter, compassion, and most of all her love. Those fortunate enough to have known her will remember her beautiful heart, her caring nature, her strength, and the way she could make people feel like they mattered. Her absence leaves an emptiness that can never be truly filled.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce; daughters, Rebecca Bloede and Melissa; and her grandchildren, Breanna and Brandon Bloede; siblings, Dave (Jeanne), Diane Jaeger, Rick (Cindy Lou), Cindy (Dennis) Roos, Jack (Donna) Russart; and in-laws, Chris Badri, Mary, Tom (Cheri), Rob (Geralynn), Shawn (Wade) Roberts, Mike (Sherry), and Jeanine McElhatton.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Audrey Russart; John and Mary Ellen McElhatton, Gary Jaeger, Mohi Badri, John McElhatton and Kevin Roos.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, January 23, 2027, at the West Bend Moose Lodge from 1-4pm, light refreshments to be served. Memorials to any charity of your choosing in her name are appreciated by the family.

The Myrhum – Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Vicki's arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.