Dorathe Jane Kerester, 82

Hubbard: Memorial services will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 4221Market Street, Boardman for Dorathe Jane Kerester, 82 who died Thursday, August 8, 2013 at Hospice House.

Dorathe was born August 8, 1931 in Youngstown, the daughter of the late Robert Charles and Sadie Grace (Riley) Grubb. She graduated from South High School and lived in Hubbard.

Dorathe was a member of Saint Patrick's Church in Hubbard. She was a selfless, devoted, loving mother, who first job was at 13, at the former Isaly's store on Mahoning Avenue. She later worked at Republic Steel Truscon, General Electric, Wells Department Store, Camelot Lanes and providing daycare for friends. Dorathe was a gifted artist working with mediums including oil paint on canvas and ceramics. One work, an early charcoal sketch, was among a local collection displayed at The Butler Museum of American Art. An avid reader, she often read a book per day, enjoying history, biography and historical fiction. Dorathe celebrated the arts, was a supporter and patron of many area theaters and loved musicals most of all. Her extensive collection of personal diaries will be used to write her biography, detailing an extraordinary triumph over a lifetime challenged with serious illness and suffering. To the end, she loved laughter and greeted everyone she met with a smile, a kind word or compliment.

Her husband of 55 years, Norman Paul Kerester, whom she married on April 5, 1952, died April 2, 2007.

Dorathe is survived by two sons; Norman P. (Darlene) Kerester, Jr. of Struthers and David M. Kerester of Hubbard; a brother Ode Grubb of Youngstown; and a granddaughter; Nicole Kerester of Struthers.

Besides her parents and husband, Dorathe was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Grubb, Jr.; and a grandson Matthew Kerester.

Family and friends may call from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at Thompson Funeral Home, follow by memorial service at 8:00 p.m.

Please visit www.thompsonfh1932.com to view this notice and send condolences.