Colene Jeanette Tester, 90, passed away on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

 Born in East Alton, IL in March of 1930, she was the daughter of the late Eugene H. “Gene” and Sarah E. “Sadie” (Norris) Dorsey.

 Colene was the devoted wife of William “Bill” Tester whom she married in December of 1950 in Roxana. Their first year of marriage was spent in Fairbanks AK where Bill was stationed in the U.S. Air Force. They were blessed to be able to celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary in December of 2000. He preceded her in death in June 2001.

 She worked as a legal stenographer until her marriage. Then, as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and daughter, Colene dedicated the rest of her life to caring for her home and family. She was very supportive of her children and grandchildren always attending their school, church, sports and community activities. She also enjoyed spending time with her friends. Colene was a faithful lifelong member of The United Presbyterian Church/LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church in Wood River IL having joined in 1946. Over the years, she served as an ordained Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Youth Group sponsor. Colene was one of the Charter Members of P.E.O. Chapter LW, East Alton IL organized in December of 1975 and served as the Chapter’s President from 1980-1982 as well as holding the offices of Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary. 

She was the loving mother of Karen (Jim) Cerny of Bethalto IL; Barry (Tracy) Tester of Edwardsville IL; and Brenda Tester of Crown Point IN. She was the loving grandmother of Tim (Nanette) Cerny of Kingsland GA; Laura (Lance) Cerny-Hatcher of Nixa MO; Corey (Andrea) Tester of Carbondale IL; Casey (Kevin) Kulavic of Springfield IL; and Callie (Aaron) Wartenbe of Edwardsville IL and she was the proud great-grandmother of Mackenzie Cerny, William Hatcher, Maximus Hatcher, Evelyn Tester, Elliot Wartenbe, and Rowan Wartenbe. She is also survived by her brother, Norris (Mary Lou) Dorsey of Wood River IL; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Tester of Dover DE; Gertrude (Ed) Gleason of Sante Fe NM; M. Ann (Kurt) Behrman of Louisville KY; and Lucille Collins of LaGrange KY.

 Arrangements for interment at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto IL was handled by Marks Mortuary in Wood River IL. The Rev. Daniel Ervin conducted the Service of Committal at the burial.

 On Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., a Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Colene will be held online via the LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church website at lovejoyupc.org/tester with the Rev. Daniel Ervin officiating.

 Memorials may be given to LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church in Wood River IL or to the BJC Hospice.