Rose M. Predmore

Rose M. Predmore “beloved mother and grandmother”

COUDERSPORT, Pa.---Rose M. Predmore, 88, a longtime resident of Coudersport, passed away with her loving family by her side on Sunday, November 15, 2020, in UPMC Cole, Coudersport, after a lengthy illness.

Born on Saturday, December 19, 1931 in Coudersport, she was a daughter of Leroy and Hilda Baker Higgins.

She married Kenneth W. Gee, who preceded her in death. From 1957 to 1980, she was married to John P. Kerest, who also predeceased her. In 1982 she married James E Predmore, who passed away in 2008. In 2010, she married Neville A. Whyte, who passed away in 2013.

Rose was a graduate of Coudersport High School, Class of 1949. In her younger years, Rose was employed briefly at a glass factory in Corning. She was then employed as a lab technician at the old Coudersport Hospital. While residing in Washington, DC, Rose was employed as a health salon assistant. Upon returning to Coudersport, she was employed as a waitress at the former Center Dairy Bar in Coudersport. Lastly she worked as a cook at her mother’s restaurant, Hilda’s Restaurant, which later became Jim & Hilda’s Restaurant, where she continued as the head cook for over 25 years. After retiring from her full time job, she became a snowbird in Florida and while there she was employed part time packing oranges.

Rose was a former member of Park United Methodist Church in Coudersport and was currently a member of Coudersport Seventh-Day Adventist Church. She was a very active member of both churches. Church life was very important to Rose. She enjoyed traveling, having traveled to several countries and states. She also enjoyed crafts, sewing, flower gardening, reading and bird watching. Her greatest love was her Lord and her family near and far.

Left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Devonna Smith and Darlene (Lawrence) Leedham, both of Coudersport, and Charlene (Robert) Stewart of Magnolia, Delaware; seven stepchildren, Terrence Kerest of Johnstown, Joann, Donna, David, and Laurie Predmore all of Upstate New York, and Narelle and Sharon Whyte, both of Australia; nine grandchildren, including Jeremy Smith, Erika Smith-Vinciquarra, Jonathan Stewart, Lynzee Stewart-Brival, Jeanna Stewart-Jones, Kristel Stewart, Heather Kerest, Jason Kerest, and Carol Alice Kerest; several great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Pepper-Stott of Canada; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Rose was predeceased by a brother, Bill Higgins.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, private funeral services will be held in the Coudersport Seventh-Day Adventist Church with Pastor Andrew K. Christiansen, officiating. Burial will be in Sweden Hill Cemetery, Coudersport.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Coudersport SDA Local Radio Station Ministries, c/o 1004 S. Main Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 or to Coudersport Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 651, Coudersport, PA 16915.

Rose’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Rose, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.