Leona Kester

Leona Georgia (Stalder) Kester, age 97, died peacefully at Vintage Park on December 20, 2016, at the age of ninety-seven years, six months, and eighteen days. The daughter of Georgia (Roberts) and Fred Stalder, was born June 2, 1919 on the family farm. She grew up attending country school along with her many siblings.
On February 1, 1945 Leona married her soulmate Dean Kester. They started their life together as a military couple, and then came home to farm in Adams County. Born to bless their lives were two sons, Ed and Larry. Dean and Leona raised crops, hay, chickens, cattle, and pigs. Leonas life revolved around her farmlife, family, and church. She enjoyed the harvest from her garden, the beautiful flower beds she raised and shared, camping and fishing. She and Dean spent many evenings playing cards with their siblings and families. She was well known for her extensive owl collection throughout the whole house. Leona was a member of the Neighborly Neighbor card club and a lifetime member of the Stringtown Community Church where she and Dean were honored and recognized September 2014 for their dedication, service, and leadership to God and the church family.
Leonas family was her pride and joy. She kept busy embroidering tea towels and pillowcases, and creating beautiful patchwork quilts for each of the grandchildren. Her homemade cinnamon rolls and macaroni and cheese were known to cause a fight amongst the grandkids for the “last” one. She and Dean spent countless hours, over the years, playing rummikub. She was always ready for another game with visitors. The legacy Leona leaves is the devotion, committment, and love that her and Dean shared together for 72 years. They had a true lovestory and remained together until the end.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband and love of her life, Dean Kester; two sons: Ed (Jan) and Larry (Denise) Kester; six grandchildren: Bret, Brennan, and Curtis (Erin) Kester, Kami (Sam) DeAlejandro, Rod Kester, and Darcy (Brad) Matheny; seven great-grandchildren: Ryan and Zach Kester, Seth, Ethan, and Daxton DeAlejandro, Evelyn and Nora Kester; one great-great grandchild JoLee DeAlejando; twin brother Leo (Dixie) Stalder, several neices and
nephews, other special relatives and friends, and the caring staff at Vintage Park.
Welcoming her into heaven are her parents Fred and Georgia Stalder, brothers: Melvin, Alvin, and Edgar Stalder; sisters: Clarrisa Wallace, Evelyn Hardisty and a baby sister who died at birth.