Oma Colleen Kerstetter

Oma Colleen (Standley) Kerstetter, age 82, of Sunrise Beach, passed away Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Lake Regional Health System. She was the daughter of Clara Anna Nelson Standley and Bluford LeRoy Standley, born on January 7, 1930, in Luray, Kansas. She was united in marriage to John Howard Kerstetter, Jr., on September 19, 1953. To this union three children were born; Claire Ann, John Howard III, and David Roy. Colleen attended and graduated ahead of her time with a degree in Child and Family Development in 1952, from Oklahoma State University. She was very active in the Wesley Foundation where she made many life long friends whom she continued to visit until her health prevented it. Her love of children directed her career. She began her pre-school career in the city of St. Louis at Grace Hill House. Next, she worked at Church of the Master, John Knox, and Grace Chapel pre-schools as a director. She then entered into the Christian Education field working at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church and Arlington United Methodist Church after earning her Diaconal Ministry Certificate at Scarritt College for Christian Workers in Nashville, TN. Colleen also served as a consultant and traveled extensively conducting workshops instructing pre-school teachers while associated with the National Association of Education of Young Children. Colleen was instrumental in the formation of the Loving Hands Pre-School and continued to serve on the board of directors until her death. Upon retirement, Howard and Colleen moved from St. Louis to Sunrise Beach. They enjoyed traveling and visited all the continents with the exception of Antarctica. They enjoyed square dancing locally, traveling to neighboring clubs and attending National Square Dancing Conventions. Colleen enjoyed organizing and making their matching outfits. She loved her church and was active in several capacities including Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of Education Work Area, choir and United Methodist Women. Her commitment to her Lord and Savior was truly evident in all she did. Family was the love of her life. She was the heart of her family from the very beginning of her life as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She supported her children in all endeavors and was thrilled with each and every visit she had with them. She kept a toy closet for the grandchildren and they always counted on grandma for a good time with toys, homemade play dough and bubbles, painting the house with water and shaving cream finger painting. She is survived by her husband of 58 ½ years, Howard; her daughter, Claire Holt and husband Wayne of Buffalo; son, John and wife Melanie of Roach; son, David and wife Terri of Las Vegas, NV; nine grandchildren, Jared, Jordan, and Jerica Holt, Charity, BJ, Bethany and Joshua Kerstetter, and Bryan and Andrew Kerstetter. She was preceded in death by her parents. A celebration of Colleen’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 5, at the Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church with Reverend Rick White officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday, at the church. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Ozark Chapel United Methodist Church. Cremation arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.

Oma Colleen Kerstetter

January 7, 1930 - March 3, 2012

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Oma Colleen Kerstetter

January 7, 1930 - March 3, 2012

About Us

What We Do

Contact KG/Locations

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

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