Lana Cheryl (Turner) Riester

Lana C. Riester, 78, of Carmel, passed away Friday, February 12, 2021. She was born August 7, 1942 in Dierks, AK to the late Loyd and Garnet (Langston) Turner.

Following high school graduation, Lana attended North Texas State where she graduated with a Masters in secondary education.

Lana began teaching high school in Texas. She combined her love of teaching and traveling and was privileged to teach 3 years overseas in both Turkey and Germany for the Department of Defense. She met the love of her life - Larry, in Germany and they were married July 19, 1969 in Dallas, TX.  They settled in Buffalo, NY and she began teaching at Williamsville North High School.  After 5 years of teaching Lana was granted maternity leave for the birth of their first child, son, Eric. Lana was determined to be a stay-at-home Mom and became a devoted full-time Mother before the birth of daughter, Emily.  Lana loved to bake and sew.

Lana was offered a position teaching adult night classes in a variety of venues.  She instructed students in subjects such as G.E.D. preparation, keyboarding, office practice, and business skills necessary for the incarcerated.  In NY State, permanent certification in School Counseling could be achieved by adding 3 years’ experience and a Certificate of Advanced Study to a Provisional certificate.  At age 49, Lana went back to school with determination.  She worked as a substitute teacher to pay her college expenses.  Upon completion of the program, Lana expressly said “It Was Worth It All.”  Upon completion of her MSW she became a School Counselor in Williamsville, (Holy Angels which is a private girl’s school in which she worked 2 years) and Lockport High School. During this time, she also became a member of the NYS Teacher Association.  Lana was member of the Counselors Association where she was awarded the Niagara Orleans County Outstanding Counselor of the Year.  This honor is determined by fellow counselors. 

Lana had a passion for traveling and experiencing different cultures.  She visited Canada, Europe, Middle East, Greece, Turkey, and Russia.  The last planned trip was to visit Croatia; unfortunately, it was canceled due to the onset of Parkinson’s. 

Because of her love for the Lord, Lana had the opportunity and enjoyed leading multiple Bible studies.  She taught Vacation Bible School, served as Youth Leader, and was very active in Randall Baptist Church, Williamsville, NY for more than 40 years.

Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Larry Riester; son, Eric (Jamie) Riester of Cincinnati, OH; daughter, Emily (John) Sepik of Fishers, IN; grandchildren, Hannah Riester, Abigail Riester, Tatum Sepik, and Parker Sepik.

Family and friends will gather Friday, February 19, 2021 at 12 noon in First Baptist Church Carmel, 1010 E. 126th Street, Carmel, IN 46033, where the Funeral Service will begin at 1 pm.

A Committal Service will follow in the Carmel Cemetery.

In memory of Lana, donations may be made to Indiana Parkinson’s Foundation, 14350 Mundy Drive, #800, Noblesville, IN 46060.  Envelopes will be available at the service.

Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family with arrangements.

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