Katie Surber Kestner

Katie Surber Kestner was born in Saltville, Smyth County, Virginia, on September 1, 1930, to Susie Mae Taylor and Thomas Wesley Surber II. She was the oldest child of 12 surviving children and three half-siblings.

The Lord took Katie to be with Him on a Sunday, a testament to her strong faith. She helped raise her siblings before leaving to have her own family. Her love for her family was a direct influence of her mother, Susie, who loved all her children, grandchildren, and stepchildren.

Katie was a strong woman who loved to work and learn, even as she aged. She played guitar and sang; she and her husband, “Demp,” would occasionally perform in church services.

Katie loved to travel when and where she could: Arizona, Canada, England, and Scotland being at the top of the list.

She always took great pride in her appearance and loved to sew clothes for herself, her children, and grandchildren; quilts for the family; and crochet or knit anything for anyone and everyone. Katie loved to cook for her family. Being an avid reader, when she could no longer read due to failing eyesight, Katie would listen to books.

Katie is survived by one son, Tim (Teresa), and granddaughter Taylor; grandson Jeff (Diana); great-grandchildren Dustin (Elsie) and their children, Della, Emma, and Savannah; Kassie (Juan) and their children, Jaize, Kolbee, and Jax; Krista (Tyler) and their child, Charlotte; granddaughter Shera and her children, Jonathan Hunter Case (Andrea) and their children, Josie and Mason Lee; granddaughter Lindsey and her child, Lennon; grandson Jeremy and his children, Jordan and Brenna.

She is also survived by three sisters: Sue Cannon of Danville; Lily Greer (Roscoe) of Seven Mile Ford; and Bonnie Ball (Darrell) of Tennessee, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Katie is predeceased by her husband, Edward Dempsey Kestner; son, Edward Lee Kestner; and her parents and siblings: Joe, Thurman, Helen, Gaylen McKinley, Thomas, Barbara, Juanita, Faye, Nancy, Jimmy, and Vena.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at the Forest Hills Chapel of Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. prior to the service with the Rev. Heather Ma officiating. 

Katie's family would like to thank the staffs of Bon Secours Regional Memorial Hospital, Autumn Care Nursing Home, and Legacy Hospice for the wonderful care they provided.

The family of Katie Surber Kestner is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 276-623-2700.