Arlene Koester, 79, Fort Scott, died Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013, in Fort Scott. She was born Aug. 6, 1933, at Ironton, Mo., to J.C. and Neota (Burns) Hurt.
Arlene and Archie Koester were married Jan. 7, 1952, in Iola. They were stationed in Colorado Springs, Colo., and Fort Hood, Texas, with the Army. They returned to Iola, and then moved to Fort Scott in 1961. Arlene was a volunteer with Friends of the Library, 4-H, Camp-Fire, Bourbon County Arts, Mercy Hospital, Sundowners and Bourbon County Democrats, serving as vice-chairman for 16 years and 6th ward committee-woman for 38 years. She also served on the election board for 38 years.
She is survived by one son, Terry Koester and wife Marla, Fort Scott; three daughters, Laura George and husband Darrel, Uniontown, Julia Koester, Santa Cruz, Calif., and Melinda Combs and husband, John, Louisburg; eight grandchildren, Tara Allen and husband Jeff, Fort Scott, Kristen Williams and husband Drew, Rio Rancho, N.M., Lindsey Huseman and husband Mark, Ellsworth, Lacey George, Ottawa, Cole George and Drew George of Uniontown, Kaitlynn Combs and Ian Combs, Louisburg; four great-grandchildren, Alaina, Parker, and Paxton Allen, Fort Scott and Silas Williams, Rio Rancho, N.M.; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was her husband Archie Koester; her parents; a sister, Marinlee Massoth and husband Gerald; and a nephew, Gerald Joe Massoth.
Following cremation, memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the chapel. Memorials are suggested to Bourbon County 4-H Development Fund and may be left in care of Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas 66701.
Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
Arlene Koester
