Shirley Jean Kesterson, 89

Shirley “Jean” Kesterson, 89, of Gig Harbor, Washington, passed away on August 28, 2025. She was born on March 18, 1936, in Desloge, Missouri, to William and Marguerite Schulte.

Jean lived a life of duty and devotion — to her family, her friends, and the many communities she gave her time to. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Missouri and continued in that career well into her 70s. She was active in Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, served on behalf of Mary Bridge and Shriners Hospitals, and deeply enjoyed sharing her leadership and gardening expertise with her Garden Club. She will be remembered for her generosity of spirit and her steadfast presence.

She is survived by her brother, Larry Schulte; her children, John and Julie Kesterson; and her grandchildren, Jacob, John Michael, Tyler, and Justin Kesterson. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Marguerite Schulte; her husband, James V. Kesterson; and her son, James F. Kesterson.

A service celebrating her life will be held on October 12, 2025, from 2:30–4:30 pm at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, with coffee and treats to follow. For those unable to attend, a livestream or video recording of the service will be shared on her Facebook page.