Imogene Chester

Imogene “Gene” Chester, 93, of Stevensville, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at 1 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 11 AM until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Spring Run Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Gene was born on June 2, 1927, in South Bend, IN, to Walter Trisinger & Juanita (Buchanan) Trisinger Grewe. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1945. In January of 1959, Gene married the love of her life, Michael Chester in Benton Harbor. The two were happily married for 29 before his passing in 1988. Gene worked for many years as a book keeper and secretary for Wizard Boats in St. Joseph, Dallas & Mavis Forwarding Company in South Bend, and Kay Foods/Elberta Packing in Millburg. Gene was a proud lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary and held the position of past Commander, Office of Adjutant and Treasurer of Unit 17 Benton Harbor. A hobby that Gene was very passionate about was stamp collecting. For over 40 years Gene collected books upon books of stamps and was a proud member of the Southwestern Michigan Stamp Club, where she served as Secretary for many years & the Calumet Stamp Club. She was also a member of the Redbud Philatelic Society. Gene was a lover of animals, specifically cats & dogs, and whenever possible she would donate her time and money to helping local shelters. She was a wonderful person who would always give to anyone if they needed help. Gene will be missed by all who knew her. Gene is survived by her children, Debra Chester of Stevensville and Larry (Roslyn) Ludwig of Lawton; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and half-sister, Janet (Larry) Pethick of South Bend. Gene was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Trisinger & Juanita (Ed) Grewe; husband, Michael; daughter, Linda Bailey; and half-sister, Delores Paar.