Philomena C. Kistler

OTTAWA - Philomena C. Kistler, 90, of Ottawa, passed away at 3:51 a.m., Friday, March 20, 2026, at The Meadows of Ottawa. She was born February 6, 1936, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Ambrose and Cecelia (Ficchi) Gmeiner. On April 29, 1954, she married Raymond Henry Kistler, Sr. who preceded her in death on February 26, 1994.

Survivors include 5 children: Mary (Klayton) Hilleary of Wapakoneta, Veronica “Bonnie” Rayle, Joan “Bunnie” Okuly, Raymond “Bud” (Sue) Kistler, all of Ottawa, and Mark Ambrose (Connie) Kistler of Seneca, SC; 14 grandchildren: Rachel (Bonifacio) Marinez, Benjamin Hilleary, Kaleb (Tora) Hilleary, Joshua Hilleary, Allan (Rose) Rayle, Tamara Frey, MistyDawn (Andy) Burleson, Derrick (Eva) Okuly, Cory (Elizabeth) Carter, Dean (Laura) Carter, Nicole (Chris) Jones, Ray III (Grace) Kistler, Cherinity (Tyrone) Brooks and Tyler Kistler; 38 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Pat Gmeiner of Baltimore, MD; and her beloved dog, Lucy.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, John Robert Kistler; a granddaughter, Brittany McKinney; and her siblings: Leonard Gmeiner, Rita (Hugh) Algeo and Sister Therese Gmeiner.

Philomena had a passion for stylish shoes and clothes. This passion inspired her to carry on her family’s legacy, becoming the owner of the former Gmeiner Shoes in Ottawa. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa, the Altar Rosary Society, Catholic Ladies of Columbia, Ottawa American Legion Auxiliary and Charter Member of the Chamber of Commerce, becoming the first female former president of the chamber. Philomena was also on the Tawa Manor Board, Ottawa Retirement Village Board and Mid Am Bank Board. She enjoyed playing dominoes and cards, especially euchre and pinochle. Philomena had a heart of gold, always helping where she could by volunteering at the food pantry, senior center and letting people know her door was always open to anyone who had no place to go for the holidays. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandkids, great-grandkids and great-great-grandkids, who lovingly called her “Grandma Honey.”

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Scott Kramer officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and one hour prior to mass on Wednesday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Ottawa: Church Building Fund.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com