Pearl M. Best

            Pearl M. (Callender) Best, 95, of Chicora, formerly of St. Petersburg, died peacefully on Friday morning, August 10, 2018 at the Chicora Medical Center, where she has resided since 2012. 

            She was born in West Monterey, Clarion County on June 5, 1923 to the late Thomas and Rachel (Barger) Callender. 

            Pearl graduated from Parker High School in 1942; and worked at Moyer Level Works until 1949. 

            She was married in Parker on March 4, 1949 to Paul R. Best, and he preceded her in death on November 28, 2016. 

            Mrs. Best attended the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church. 

            She was employed as a cook in the cafeteria at the Allegheny-Clarion Valley high school for twenty years, until her retirement in 1988. 

             Following retirement, Pearl and Paul enjoyed traveling and spent many winters in Ruskin, Florida.  She enjoyed family picnics and dinners, and spending time with her family and friends. 

            Pearl is survived by two sons, Larry Best and his wife Donna of Rockmart, Georgia; and James Best and his wife Kathy of Emlenton; five grandchildren: Julie Rape and her husband Bryan of Rockmart, Georgia, Jesse Best of Pittsburgh, Tyler Best and his wife Kim of Franklin, Shayla Kerlin and her husband Aaron of Turkey City, and Dr. Jabe Best of San Diego, California; and nine great-grandchildren: Vanessa Thomas and her husband Justin, Brianna, McKenzie, and Alexa Rape, Quinton Kerlin, Veva Best, Carter and Kennedy Best, and Frances Pearl Best.  She is also survived by a very special friend who she spent winters with in Florida, Janet Hobbs, of Pendleton, Indiana; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

            In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald and Paul Callender; two sisters, June Judson and Edna Kriebel; and her sister-in-law, Sarah Callender. 

            Friends and family will be received Tuesday (Aug. 14th) from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. in the Hile Funeral Home, 802 Grove Street in St. Petersburg.  A funeral service will follow in the funeral home Tuesday at 1 p.m. with Rev. Dan Myers, a retired United Methodist pastor, officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Petersburg Cemetery.    

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Petersburg United Methodist Church; 180 Church Street, St. Petersburg, PA 16054; or the St. Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 81, St. Petersburg, PA 16054. 

             To express online condolences to Pearl's family, please visit www.hilebest.com

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