Hester L. Kightlinger

Hester L. Kightlinger, 91, formerly of Willow St. and Lincoln Ave., Meadville and the Quality Living Center, Saegertown and a current resident of Wesbury United Methodist Community, died Thursday, January 7, 2010 at Meadville Medical Center.

She was born in Meadville May 7, 1918, a daughter of the late Avery A. and Harriet Dewey Hellyer.  She married Edward C. Kightlinger August 25, 1943 and he preceded her in death November 10, 1971.

She was a homemaker and had been employed doing housework and at the former Spencer Hospital.  She was a member of the Salvation Army for over 50 years where she was formerly very active with the League of Mercy and was a kettle fund drive volunteer for many years.  She was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2006 Auxiliary.

Survivors include a daughter, Harriet Kiser and her husband Daryl of Linesville; 3 sons, Herbert Kightlinger and his wife Mildred of Erie, George Kightlinger of Baltimore, MD, and Clarence Kightlinger of Mishawaka, IN; 2 sisters, Donna Roxberry of Linesville and Mildred Lebaron of Zephyr Hills, FL; 6 grandchildren, Robert E. and Brian D. Kightlinger, Marlena and Steven Kiser, Jennifer Kidd, and Mark Kightlinger; 3 step-grandchildren, William Mook, Maria Hepler, and Paul Kinholtz; 5 great-grandchildren, Alexandra and Victoria Kightlinger, Amanda and Craig Kidd, and Caulin Kightlinger; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Sherry Hellyer of Ravenswood, WV and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Dorothy Wright, May Roxberry, and Helen Miller and 2 brothers, Homer Hellyer and Avery A. Hellyer, Jr.

Calling hour is today (Saturday) from noon to 1 p.m. at the Robert W. Waid Funeral Home, 581 Chestnut St., Meadville where the funeral and committal service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Major Timothy Gair of the Salvation Army, officiating.

Interment will be in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 1087 Park Ave., Meadville, PA 16335.