Gertrude "Gerty" (Dahler) Prest
June 23, 1928 — January 28, 2017
Youngstown - Gertrude "Gerty" Dahler Prest, 88, died Saturday afternoon, January 28, 2017 at the Victoria House.
Mrs. Prest was born June 23, 1928 in Youngstown, a daughter of Gottlob and Luise Schlecht Dahler.
Raised in Youngstown, she was a 1947 graduate of The Rayen School. On May 6, 1950, she married Albert "Pinky" Prest and became a dedicated homemaker. Together they raised five children, whom they loved dearly. After her husband's passing on January 8, 1978, she began working in the cafeteria of Liberty Schools for 12 years.
She was a faithful member of the former Pilgrim Collegiate Church and a current member of Faith Community Covenant Church. At the church, she was involved in the Women's Fellowship, Church Women United, and volunteered in the church kitchen for many years. She was also a member of the Saxon Club Branch No. 22 and one of the original members of a card club that has met monthly for over 65 years.
Gerty enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling the country to visit them. Over the years, Gerty also had the opportunity to travel to Germany several times to visit family.
She is survived by two daughters, Patricia "Patte" (Larry) Fithian of Poland and Nancy (Ralph) Weatherholt of Indialantic, FL; two sons, Raymond (Sheilah) Prest of Canfield and Bruce Prest of Youngstown, with whom she made her home; six grandchildren, Greg (Heather) Crofford of Fairfax, VA, Susan (Nate) Jones of Myrtle Beach, Megan Crofford of Bryn Mawr, PA, Lauren Fithian of Boston, Kyle Fithian of West Lafayette, IN, and Jeffrey Prest of Canfield; five great-grandchildren, Tori, Addie, and Charlotte Crofford, and Ella and Evan Jones.
In addition to her parents and husband, Gerty was preceded in death by her daughter, Paula Crofford; son-in-law, Robert Crofford; and her brother, Fred Dahler.
Per Gerty's wishes, there will be no calling hours or services.
The family suggests that any memorial tributes take the form of contributions in Mrs. Prest's name to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, Ohio 44512.
Gerty wanted to recognize her longtime card club friend, Tilly Stefanick, for being her guardian angel for the last two months during her illness and Ida Zell who gave her daily words of prayer and devotion along with hugs.
Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland Chapel. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.