August 5, 1951 – May 21, 2025
LaDonna Gayle Kesterson, 73, of Mitchell, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Indiana University Health Hospice House.
Born August 5, 1951, in Lawrence County, Gayle was the daughter of James Earl Wilson and Imogene Ellen (Holsapple) Rayhill. She married Matthew Kesterson on August 9, 1969, and he preceded her in death on July 28, 2021.
Gayle loved her children and grandchildren more than anything. Spending time with them brought her the greatest joy. She was happiest when surrounded by her family.
She was a wonderful cook and loved making meals for everyone. Her food brought people together. Gayle also took great pride in keeping a clean house. In her younger years, she even mopped the floors by hand.
Gayle’s love, hard work, and dedication to her family will never be forgotten. She leaves many happy memories and a family who will miss her deeply.
Surviving are her children, Brandi (Darren) Kesterson Speer of Bedford and Cara (Steve) Kesterson Black of Bedford; grandchildren, Elizabeth Austin, Victoria Cessna, Ethan (Alyssa) Bohenkamp, Grace Bohenkamp, Caroline Conner, and Katherine Conner; great-grandchildren, Matthew Cessna and Garrett Bohenkamp; and siblings, Rita Phillips of Mitchell and James Wilson II of Paoli.
Her parents, husband, grandson, Blais Bohenkamp, and sister, Margie Bowden, preceded her in death.
Cremation has been chosen. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 2, at Mitchell Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.chastainfuneralhome.com.
