Christel AraSmith-Chester

Christel Renee AraSmith-Chester lived a life so full of laughter and love that everyone around her will be affected for the duration of their life. The daughter of Gayle and Dee AraSmith from Alton, Christel was very active in Alton High School. She involved herself in various clubs such as concert choir, show choir, and cheerleading. It was during high school that Christel was given the nickname “Bubbles” because of her bubbly personality -- and she lived up to it!

Christel married Brian Chester on September 25, 1993, and lived on the Chester family farm. Family was always so important in Christel’s life, and on November 10, 1995, Brian and Christel became parents to Dusty James Chester. They were very excited. Although Christel was soon diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, she put her faith and future in God’s hands. She maintained her bubbly personality throughout her illness and was always concerned about how her family and friends were doing. Her strong faith in God had a profound affect on all the people around her. Christel said that if her having cancer brought one person to know Christ, it was worth it. And that if it was to happen over again, she would not change anything. Christel had a greater understanding of life than most.