NICKERSON - Lucille Fern Koestel, 91, died Saturday September 11, 2010, at Dillon Living Center.

She was born August 28, 1919, in Abbyville, the daughter of Joe and Alpha Robbin Winder.

She was a lifetime Reno County resident living in the Abbyville and Nickerson communities. She was raised by the G.W. and Judith Krauter families in her younger years. A 1937 graduate of Nickerson High School, a member of TOPS Club, birthday club, 4-H community leader, Nickerson Baptist Church, she was a homemaker and had worked part time at Sterling College, Wiley's and Wells Department Stores.
She was married to Harold Marvin Slifer in 1941 and Vincent Koestel in 1950, both preceded her in death. She is survived by three sons and their spouses, Galen and Virginia Slifer, Kansas City, Missouri, Richard and Sherrill Slifer, Plevna, and Marvin and Diane Slifer, Tehachapi, California; three half-sisters, Norma Frye, Darlene Spain and Faye Bruce; seven grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Clifford Winder Troyer, Harold Winder and half-brother Joe Winder.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2010, at Elliott Chapel with Dr. Marvin Slifer and Pastors Michael McLemore and Tim Elsner officiating. Burial will be in Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday with family present 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Hospice of Reno County or Victory in the Valley in care of the mortuary.

Visit www.elliottmortuary.com to leave a remembrance or condolence for her family.