Marilyn Beth Kestler, age 86 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 21, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family following a brief illness and complications of Parkinson's Disease.  She was born December 27, 1931 in Elwood, the daughter of Oliver and Faye (Brenner) Williams.  She was a 1950 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and she enjoyed keeping in contact with many of her classmates through the years.  She married the love of her life, Donald Gene Kestler on March 16, 1950, and they were blessed with over 61 years of marriage together before his passing.  Marilyn was proud to be a homemaker all of her life and was focused on caring for her family in every way.  She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Elwood.  Marilyn enjoyed sewing, baking, cooking, and taking care of her home.  She especially enjoyed shopping with her daughters at every opportunity.  In recent years she also enjoyed watching television at home and occasionally going to the casino.  Marilyn's family finds comfort knowing that she will spend her first Christmas in Heaven reunited with her beloved husband, Don.

Marilyn's family legacy includes two daughters, Lisa Ann Kestler and Angela Faye (husband Tony) Edgell all of Elwood; 3 grandchildren, Chad Leever of Lafayette, Brent (wife Shanna) Leever of Elwood, and Kyle Edgell (Zara Anderson) of Elwood; 4 great-grandchildren, Kalan Leever, Kolin Leever, Quincy Leever, and Harper Leever; nieces and nephews, Kent (wife Alice) Williams, Ray Williams, Lou Ann (husband Kevin) Courtney, Brent (wife Betty) Williams, and Anita Barton; special family members, Mark and Phyllis Holland, Virginia Etchison, and Judith Lewis; and many special friends including the late Betty Cyphers and family, Barbara, Jeannine, and Myrna.  Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald Kestler on April 21, 2011; and three brothers, J.R. Williams, Robert Williams, and Bill Williams.

A funeral service celebrating Marilyn's life will be held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Kal Rissman of St. John Lutheran Church officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm prior to the funeral on Saturday at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church or the Elwood Animal Shelter through the funeral home.  Online condolences may be expressed at copherfeslermay.com.