Geraldine Kester

Gerry M. Kester, Gerry M. Kester, 84, of Hollidaysburg, formerly Juniata, died Wednesday at the home of her daughter in Scotch Valley, Hollidaysburg. She was born in Altoona, a daughter of the late D. Grant Smith and Emma (Robison) Smith. She married David C. Kester June 26, 1942, in Winchester, Virginia. He preceded her in death on April 9, 2002. Surviving is her daughter Chris Sisto and husband Mickey of Scotch Valley, Hollidaysburg. She was preceded in death by two sons, David C. Kester, II, in 2002 and Robert Rex Kester in 1951, and one brother William. She is also survived by daughter in law Sue Kester and sister Doris Zitsch, two grandchildren, Darren S. Kester and wife Cindy of Huntingdon, Cara L. Burket and husband Greg of Hollidaysburg, five great grandchildren, Jesse Burket, Krystal Burket, Devon Kester, Kaitlynn Kester and David Kester, and two great-great grandchildren, Michaela Burket and Abigail Burket, and her "adopted" daughter and husband Tick Sheaffer and husband Al and special nephews, Dr. Robert Zitsch, Jeffrey Zitsch, Ronald Zitsch and special caregiver, Dawn Bones. Gerry was a member of St. Lukes Episcopal Church. She was a 1942 graduate of Altoona High School and in received her Associates Degree from Penn State University in 1976. She also was a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association, Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity, and served and was past president of the former YMCA Altoona Board. She was also a member of Delphi Chapter #65, Order of Eastern Star.for more than 50 years. Gerry retired as the Local Registrar of Vital Records for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania after 26 years service. Prior to that she retired from Penn State Altoona Campus after 15 years service. She was very active in the Republican Party serving as county chairman for six years, 12 years as Republican State Committee person, and for many years as Blair County Committee Person and is still a member of the Executive Board of the Republican Party, served as a member of the Central Pennsylvania Republican Caucus, Past President of the Blair County Republican Women, Active member of the Morrison Cove Republican Club and Past President and founder of the Blair County Republican Boosters during the 1970's. Friends will be received from 2-9pm Friday, June 12, 2009 and 10-until noon Saturday at Mauk & Yates Funeral Home, Inc. A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday at the funeral home with Rev. Christine Purcell, officiating. Interment at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Home Nursing Agency Hospice Unit.