At the age of 94, Lucille Louise Kestler passed away peacefully on April 15th, 2021. She was born August 29, 1926 in Bartholomew County to Luther Valentine Ault and Esther Charlotte Cristina Nienaber.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charles (Bill) William Kestler, who passed in 2006 and her newborn daughter, Mary Jane.
Lucille was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She is survived by her three sons, Carl (Linda), George (Mary) and John (Elizabeth); Six grandchildren: Joshua Kestler (Lesley), Briana Ferrenburg (Rodney), Valerie Waters (Nick), Grace Kestler, Hannah Shaffer (Dillon) and Noah Kestler; Great-grandchildren: Makayla and Paige Kestler, Cameron and Madison Barton; Gabby Ferrenburg, Zach and Sam Ferrenburg; Andrew, Lynn and Carrie Waters; Great-great grandchildren: Laiken Ann Lowe and Leighton James Bell.
Most importantly to her, Lucille was a woman of strong faith. She attended St. Peter’s Lutheran School and was confirmed in 8th grade. As a life-long member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, she was active in the church as part of the Bible Class, Couple’s Club, Mary Martha and much more. She was truly a servant to the community and her family.
Lucille graduated from Columbus High School in 1944 and married Bill on November 22, 1945. She then started her career as a school bus driver. She spent 40 years driving and being a constant in many children’s lives. She was a 4-H leader for over 30 years to the girls in the “Happy Go Getters Club”. All of her children and many grandchildren were involved in 4-H. While Bill helped the kids with the livestock projects, Lucille was the teacher for the cooking projects! In her kitchen, you learned quickly about the right way to measure ingredients and the importance of sifting flour. Lucille loved the 4-H Fair, including chairing the 4-H St. Peter’s Food Stand. She and Bill would spend hours catching up with old friends, while watching the kids show livestock.
Throughout her life, you could find Lucille tending to her chickens on the farm, planting and canning vegetables and spending time with her grandchildren. She cooked from scratch and made sure every Sunday was family dinner. Her Red Velvet Cake, Spaghetti and Tomatoes and Strawberry Jam were favorites.
Lucille also spent time volunteering with the Bartholomew County Farm Bureau, Love Chapel and Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department/Omelet Brunch.
Lucille was born, raised a family, and lived in the same home her entire life. She impacted many lives far and wide and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be held on April 20th from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Hathaway-Myers 1022 Pearl St, Columbus, IN 47201
A Service will be held on April 21st at 11:00am at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 719 5th St. Columbus, IN with viewing one hour before from 10:00-11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be given to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church “Together We Live” campaign for the “Den” (Gym).
