Obituary of Melissa Ann Kern-Strother

Melissa A. Kern Strother, 42, of Berwick, passed away suddenly, but peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020. Born in Kingston, PA on August 5, 1977, she was the daughter of Carl and Eva Kern of Lehman, PA. Melissa graduated from Berwick Area High School in 1995 and attended Penn State University, Lehman. She worked throughout her life at various restaurants, and specifically her family-owned restaurants, Lum's and Big Ten. Most recently, she was caring for two elderly women in her role as a home health aid. A devout Catholic, Melissa was an active member in the community, and valued God, family, and football above most things. Never missing a game her children played in, Melissa followed the Bulldawgs to victory each week, and continued to follow her son's college football career. She was greatly anticipating both of her sons' successes, and would've done anything to be by their sides. Although an outspoken, witty, a strong mother, she was most known as a loving wife, daughter, sister, mother, aunt, and friend. She was very passionate and fierce in her beliefs. Melissa was loved by so many, and would go above and beyond to help others. She was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Carl and Natalie Kern, and maternal grandparents, A.G. and Jeanne Williams, aunts, uncles and cousins. In addition to her parents, Melissa is survived by her husband, Raymond Strother; sons, Chase and fiancée Samantha Reese, and Trent; sisters, Kimberly Kern, Jeannie Spencer and husband, and Danielle Mimms and husband; along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at 8:00 PM from the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, with Pastor Rex Williams, officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 on Tuesday prior to the service at the funeral home. Masks and social distancing is required. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Berwick.