Carolyn S. “Sue” Kistler, 73, a Harbor resident for nearly 40 years, died at Grays Harbor Community Hospital, Thursday, March 26, 2015. Sue was born in Kansas, Oklahoma on June 1, 1941, the daughter of Marion and Opal (Sarten) Riggins. She had moved to Tulsa, OK where she graduated from Central High School in 1959.
Sue was married to Wayne E. Lewis in Tulsa in 1962 and they would divorce in 1968. She then was married to Harry J. Kistler in Tulsa in 1969, coming to the Harbor in 1977. They would divorce in 1979. She had worked as a waitress at Colonial West Restaurant on Hwy. 101 in Hoquiam and also at Denny’s in Aberdeen.
She had lived in Hillsboro, OR where she had been a waitress at Elmer’s Pancake House, serving her customers always with a smile and making many close friends in the process. Returning to the Harbor in 2005 to be closer to her family.
Once retired, she had worked with the Senior Companion Volunteers in Hoquiam and had attended the United Christian Church in Aberdeen. She enjoyed remodeling houses, doing the tear-down, drywall and woodworking chores through living in the home only to find another house to work on. Helping her on these many remodels was her life companion, Ed Orth, who was a lifetime Harbor resident. He died in 2010.
Sue is survived by four sons: David and Dan Lewis, both of Aberdeen, Pat and Scott (Beth) Kistler, both of Las Vegas, NV. Also surviving is Mike Orth, Aberdeen, who she considered a son from her relationship with Ed; and one daughter: Danita (Kurt) Ludwig, Cosmopolis; a brother: Bob Riggins, Roy, WA; and also five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Sue had a strong love for others, often sacrificing her needs for others. She always had a smile on her face and that was abundant whenever she had her family around.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11 AM Saturday, April 11th at the United Christian Church, 300 W. First St., Aberdeen.
A card of condolence with a message or a memory may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.

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