Elese D Nestlerode

Elese D. Nestlerode, 95, of Centre Hall, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Mount Nittany Medical Center. Born on July 31, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Verus S. and Minnie (Baldwin) Gaylor. In December of 1951, in Harrisburg, she married the love of her life, George H. Nestlerode, who preceded her in death.
Elese graduated in 1947 from Jersey Shore High School. She worked as a library aide at the Lock Haven school district until she retired in 1994, after 26 years of service.
Elese was a longtime member of the Jersey Shore Church of God, where she was very active serving as both their secretary and Sunday school teacher for numerous years. When she moved from the Jersey Shore area to Centre County, she would attend the Park Forest Village United Methodist Church and most recently the Grace UMC in Centre Hall. She enjoyed attending local concerts and outings with her daughter and friends. She enjoyed attending Penn State Hockey games with her daughter each year and loved her ice cream. She had a great sense of humor that was appreciated by many. Along with being caring and a true nurturer, she was independent, strong, and approached life with common sense and practicality. She will forever be missed and loved by many.
Elese is survived by her daughter, Roxie L Nestlerode of State College; her sister in-law, Ruth Dickey; three nieces, Suzanne Bishop, Christina Hansen, and Sharon Dickey Thompson; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Along with her husband and parents, Elese was preceded in death by her brothers, Lamont and Sheldon Gaylor.
Friends and family will be received on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home in Centre Hall from 11am to 12 noon. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12 noon with Spence Garvin officiating. A graveside will be held on Thursday at 11am at the Jersey Shore Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Centre Volunteers in Medicine, 2026 Sandy Dr, State College, PA 16803 or to the Centre Hall/Potter Township Food Pantry, 127 S Pennsylvania Ave, Centre Hall, PA 16828.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc of Centre Hall. To share memories and condolences online, please visit daughenbaughs.com.