Patricia Harding Nestler, age 86, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at Duke University Hospital in Durham, NC. She was born February 9, 1936 in Huntington, West Virginia to Walter and Elsie (Fisher) Harding. Pat attended Western Illinois University studying Medical Technology. After college, she did her clinical work at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. Following her clinical work she took a position in the medical lab at Akron General Hospital as the lead medical technician.

Pat married Clyde Nestler on October 20, 1962 at the First Baptist Church in Akron, Ohio. One of the greatest adventures Pat and Clyde had was living in Australia for 18 months while Clyde worked on a fellowship in the chemistry field. Clyde’s job had them moving a few times and they finally landed their roots in the Parkwood Community in Durham, NC. Pat was the church secretary at Christus Victor Lutheran Church for 35 years.

Pat was a member at the Parkwood United Methodist Church, serving on several committees over 50 years. Her service to the church and community were very important to her. She was a long-term director of the altar guild. Pat felt that ensuring the church was properly set up for each church service was her duty in serving God. She also served in the United Methodist Women. She provided services to the church through craft bazaars, decorating the church, and providing receptions for all occasions. Pat was very active with her bridge group, Knit Purl Pray, book club, exercise group, and coffee group. Most of all, music was one of her greatest joys and she loved to sing in the choir. She always looked forward to the annual Christmas cantata.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Nestler and brother-in-law, Luther Gunn. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Nestler (Stephanie Shook, partner); sister-in-law, Roberta Gunn; nephew, Kevin Gunn (Patsy); great niece, Samantha Miller (Tyler); great, great niece, Remi Miller, and family “daughter”, Sabrina Walton.

A memorial service is scheduled for 2:00pm on December 4 with a reception to follow provided by the United Methodist Women at the Parkwood United Methodist Church at 5123 Revere Rd., Durham, NC 27713. Pastor Adam Benson and Pastor Anita Taylor will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be set up in Pat’s name at the Parkwood United Methodist Church. A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Rd., Triangle, VA 22172.

“Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” -John 11:25-26