Dorothy Loraine Gust, née Buser

Dorothy Loraine Gust, née Buser, age 82, of Shreveport, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025. She was born and raised in Pueblo, Colorado, the fourth of six children to Francis and Loretta Buser. Growing up, Dorothy was quite the musician, playing the marimba and actively participating in 4-H Forestry.

She pursued her passion for caring for others, attending nurse's training at St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Wichita, Kansas, and proudly graduated as a registered nurse in 1963. It was in Wichita that she met her future husband, Richard, and they shared many dances before tying the knot on September 11, 1965, in Pueblo, Colorado.

Their journey together took them to several places. They lived in Dodge City for a year, where their oldest daughter Christine was born. They then moved back to Wichita, where their children Kevin and Karen were born. Richard's job led them to Houston for two years, then Austin for four, before they finally settled in Shreveport in 1976, where they've lived ever since. Dorothy was a dedicated mom, always there as a room mother and PTA mom, making sure her kids got to their music lessons and sports practices.

Professionally, Dorothy was a versatile nurse, working in various hospital departments, including the recovery room and as head nurse on a surgical floor. She also worked as an occupational nurse and later specialized in cardiac rehabilitation. Her faith was important to her, and she was an active member of St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church since 1976, especially involved with the St. Vincent de Paul society.

Dorothy's musical talents extended beyond the marimba; she was a gifted pianist. Some of her favorite songs to play included "Rustles of Spring," "Anchor's Away," "Tie a Yellow Ribbon," and many beloved tunes from Mary Poppins. She also played marimba in the church choir, and some of her favorite songs were included in today's service.

For fun, Dorothy and Richard loved to dance, enjoying square, round, Cajun, and ballroom dancing. They had many adventures, going on cruises with family and friends and taking countless road trips to visit family in other states. She had a fondness for dressing well, soaking up the sun, margaritas, Minnie Mouse, and just being delightfully silly.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Loretta Buser, two brothers, and three sisters. She is survived by her loving husband, Richard, and their three children: Christine (Simon) of Westminster, Colorado; Kevin (Andrea) of Austin, Texas; and Karen of Shreveport, Louisiana. She also leaves behind five cherished grandchildren: Calvin, Dominic, Claire, George, and Lucy. Her sister, Agnes Melton (Paul) of Wichita, Kansas, also survives her.

The family suggests that donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul society c/o St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church. They are also incredibly grateful to her dedicated caregivers, Veronica Coney, Patty Linder, and the compassionate care team at Bristol Hospice.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 located at St. Mary of the Pines Catholic Church, 1050 W Bert Kouns Industrial Loop, Shreveport, LA 71118 with Father Mark Watson to officiate.