Kathryn "Kay" Irene Chester, age 93, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2020, at the United Living Community in Brookings. Visitation without the family present will be from 9-11 A.M on Friday, November 13, 2020, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings. A private family burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery that afternoon.

Kay was born on November 5, 1927, in Brookings, SD, the daughter of John W. and Mary L. (Duff) Johnston. She received her education in Sterling District #44 and was a graduate of the Brookings High School in 1945. After receiving her education, she started her employment at Sokota Hybrid Producers in Brookings and continued to work there until her retirement in April of 1987.

Kay was united in marriage to Charles A. Chester on November 10, 1949, in Brookings. Together they made their home in the country near Brookings. In 1960, both Charles and Kay had the privilege of having Dr. Hugh C. Smith as their doctor at the Mayo Clinic, which turned into a very enjoyable and helpful friendship for many years. In 1995, they moved to Summerhill in Brookings. Charles died on May 31, 2004. Kay later moved to Park Place Assisted Living.

Kay was a member of First Lutheran Church in Brookings. She was also a member of the Wednesday Club and served for many years as a hospital volunteer. While living in Park Place Assisted Living, Kay was introduced to Jig-Saw Puzzles. Kay put together and framed many puzzles. She also enjoyed handicrafts, gardening, traveling, and walking at Walmart until the pandemic started.

Kay is survived by her nephew, John (Mary) Johnston of Brookings, SD; niece, Pamela (Jack) Schricker of Pagosa Springs, CO; nephew, Butch Friedel of Brookings; great-nephew, Addison (Gina) Johnston of Houston, TX; great-niece, Niki (Larry) Cooper of Colorado Springs, CO; and great-nephew, Aaron (Nicki) Johnston of Maple Grave, MN; and dear friend, Dorothy Williamson of Brookings, SD. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother, Marion Johnston, great-great-nephew, Charles Johnston, and dear niece, Jodi Friedel.