Obituary of Beverly S. Nester

Beverly S. Nester, 96, passed away peacefully at home on December 28, 2019. Beverly was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on May 19, 1923 and raised in Bellevue, Kentucky. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1941 and Miami University, Oxford Ohio in 1944. Beverly married the love of her life, William C. Nester, in 1945. They remained happily married for 61 years, until his passing in 2006. Together, they raised their family, primarily in Lawrenceville, but also in Bethesda, MD, Ridgewood, NJ, Tiffin, OH, and Plymouth Valley, PA. Beverly was active in her career and then volunteer service, until her early 90s. She taught music in Ohio until World War II ended and then in Lawrenceville, NJ for twenty five years. She developed many friendships through her teaching career, volunteer work, and church. She volunteered for the Lawrence Arts Council, New Jersey State Museum, Morven (a National Historic Landmark), and a variety of positions at her beloved church, The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville. Beverly was a member of The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville for 54 years, since 1965. She was active in the church through music, fellowship groups, and serving as an elder. Beverly sang in the church choir for 50 years, has directed the children’s choir, was a substitute organist, and played the piano for nursing home services. The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville is a key reason Beverly considered Lawrenceville her home, even though she has lived in a variety of places. Beverly and her husband, Bill, were active in many community groups, such as Rotary and “Torch Club,” among others. With Rotary International, Beverly and Bill traveled to many countries around the world. After the passing of her beloved Bill, Beverly continued to enjoy the friendship of her longtime group of friends, including the “Lunch Bunch,” “KC Club,” “Rotary Wives,” “Create and Relate,” fellowship group, and others. Beverly enjoyed many years of joyful companionship and socialization. Beverly is survived by her children Vickie Kraus and husband Dennis, William Campbell “Campy” Nester, III and companion Sue Stringfellow, Christine Karcher and husband David, and Quentin Nester and wife Maryann, grandchildren Jason Kraus and wife Laurie, Matthew Kraus and husband Andrew Casano, Erin Torres and husband Kurt, Alexandra Stouch and husband Jake, Brandon Nester, and Andrew Nester, great-grandchildren Avery Kraus, Alexis Kraus, Eva Torres, Atticus Torres, Jennie Stouch, and soon to be arriving Sydney Stouch, and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Harry “Scoop” Nester and wife Mary, Judy Jackson and husband Richard, and Jackie Schuh and husband Fred, along with nieces, nephews and many friends. Beverly was preceded in death by her husband William C. Nester, II, her parents Walter Raymond and Ada Story, her brother Richard Story, father and mother-in-law Weber and Florence Nester, her sisters and brother-in-law Jeanne and William Rollins, and niece Renee Rollins. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday January 3rd from 4 to 7 PM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, (Route 206) Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. There will not be any additional visitation Saturday morning prior to church services. A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11 AM at The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Main St., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Burial in the Lawrenceville Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beverly’s name to The Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville, 2688 Main St., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 to support community service projects of the church.