Obituaries

Carol Charlotte Pelster

Carol Charlotte Pelster, 67, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2011, at Heisinger Bluffs on West Main Street, Jefferson City. Carol was the only child of Benjamin H. and Dorothy Lotter Pelster, born June 2, 1943. She lived with her parents and maternal grandmother, Gertrude Geisberg Lotter (Mrs. H.H.), at 328 E. McCarty Street in the home built, originally, by her great-grandparents, Henry Christopher and Emma Geisberg, who were among the early settlers in Jefferson City. This home was occupied for over 100 years by Carol's family. The property is now occupied by the John G. Christy Municipal Building, so its history continues to live on. Carol graduated from Jefferson City High School in 1961, where she was inducted into the National Honor Society. She obtained a BS in Education Degree from the University of Missouri/Columbia, where she served as Secretary of the Student NEA, President of Mortar Board, Personal Assistant in Johnston Hall, and Chairman of the Literary Committee. She was a member of the Student Union Board, the Beta Sigma Phi Education Sorority, and was honored in Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. She later pursued a Masters Degree at Stephens College. Her teaching career took her from Park Forest, Ill., to numerous locales in Missouri, including Webster Groves, Westphalia, Bourbon, and South Callaway RII for 25 years. Carol was a member of First Presbyterian Church where she was baptized, and in later years, of St. Peter's Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir until her health declined. She was a member of PEO Chapter FS and the Retired Teachers' Association. She cherished the friendships and affiliations with these organizations. Family and friends were always important to Carol, as were her beloved cats. She was a devoted daughter and an excellent teacher, always encouraging and caring about the welfare of her students, many with whom she continued to keep in touch. Carol is survived by three McLeod cousins, Marilyn Dent of Jefferson City, Margaret Brown of Greeneville, Tenn. and Meredith "Perry" Jones of St. Louis; cousins, Katie Knuth and family of Jefferson City; other relatives, friends, and her loving caregivers. Her parents preceded her in death. Friends will be received from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 9, 2011, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home, where services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with the Rev. Rudy W. Beard officiating. A private, family burial will take place at Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church, 216 Broadway, Jefferson City, MO 65101; First Presbyterian Church, 324 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101; or to the Jefferson City Animal Shelter, 919 E. Miller Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 West Main Street, (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com

Published May 8, 2011