Arlis Burns

Arlis Ruth Burns, 68, of Aliquippa, Pa. and formerly of Waynesburg, Pa. died at 5:35 a.m. Monday, October 13, 2003 in the Aliquippa Community Hospital after being in failing health for the past year.She was born in Center Township, Greene County, Pa. a daughter of Isaac and Eva Moore Pester. She was raised by her late uncle and aunt Elza and Flossie Pester Kiger and had resided in the Waynesburg area all her life prior to moving to Aliquippa in 1972.Mrs. Burns was a former member of the Washington Street U.M. Church in Waynesburg and had attended the North Branch Presbyterian Church in Monaca for several years.She was a 1953 graduate of Waynesburg High School and attended Penn Commercial Business School in Washington.Mrs. Burns was a telephone operator for the former South Penn Telephone Company and G.C. Murphy Co. both in Waynesburg and was last employed as a nurse's aid at the Beaver County Geriatric Center for 14 years prior to retiring in 2000.She was a former band parent at Center High School and enjoyed attending activities of her grandchildren and was an avid Pittsburgh Pirate and Steeler fan.On November 3, 1956 she married Robert Alvin Burns who survives.Also surviving are four daughters, Christle Parker of Midland, Pa., Carola Walker of Aliquippa, Pa., Cheryl (Charlie) Burns at home and Cathy Lewis of Seaville, N.J.; three sisters, Mary Mego of Obetz, Ohio, Kate Mahaffey and Peg Kiger both of Fresno, CA.; one brother, George Pester of Waynesburg; six granddaughters, Briannon, Darcy and Taylor Parker, Courtney Burns, Janelle Walker and Madison Lewis; several nieces and nephews.Deceased are two sisters, Margaret Pester who died in infancy and Dorothy Rush; one brother Curly Pester and one step brother.The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, 300 Penn Center Blvd, Suite 602, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15235.