Elda M. Thurston, 97, formerly of Blooming Prairie, Minn., died Saturday, March 24, 2012, at her home in Rossmoor, Monroe Township, Middlesex County, N.J.

Elda Justesen was born December 6, 1914, in Austin, Minn. to August and Clara Justesen. After growing up in Blooming Prairie, she lived in Faribault, Minn. then Culver City, Calif. and Paradise, Calif. before moving to Rossmoor, Monroe Township in 2000. She was involved in direct sales for more than 50 years, most recently with Artex Hobby Products in Lima, Ohio, retiring in 1974. She was a member of the Rossmoor Community Church and was active with the Rossmoor Singles Club, enjoying extensive travel to Alaska, Italy, Mexico, Puerto Rico, as well as throughout the U.S. Mrs. Thurston was a former member of the Presbyterian Church of Culver City, Calif.

Survivors include two sons, Doyle (Patrice) Knight of Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. and Duane (Lisa) Knight of Tallahassee, Fla.; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Stewart Knight, in 1989 and her second husband Thomas Thurston in 1999.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Thursday, March 29, 2012, at the Blooming Prairie Cemetery,

Blooming Prairie, with Reverend Neil Lindorff officiating. Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.