Arlene Koester

Arlene Koester, age 79, of Fort Scott, died February 5, 2013, at Fort Scott, Kan. She was born August 6, 1933, at Ironton, Mo., to J.C. and Neota (Burns) Hurt. Arlene and Archie Koester were married Jan. 7, 1952, at Iola, Kan. They were stationed at 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, Kansas; Julia Koester, Santa Cruz, California; and Melinda Combs and husband, John, Louisburg, Kansas; eight grandchildren, Tara Allen and husband Jeff, Fort Scott; Kristen Williams and husband Drew, Rio Rancho, N. M.; Lindsey Huseman and husband Mark, Ellsworth, Kan.; Lacey George, Ottawa, Kan.; Cole George and Drew George of Uniontown, Kansas; Kaitlynn Combs and Ian Combs, Louisburg, Kan; four great-grandchildren, Alaina, Parker, and Paxton Allen of Fort Scott and Silas Williams, Rio Rancho; 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 held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 12th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday evening at the chapel. Memorials are suggested to Bourbon County 4-H Development Fund and may be left in care of the 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.