Laura Belle Gesin, 98, of Butler, formerly of Marienville, died Tuesday at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Born Sept. 29, 1909, in Loleta, Elk County, she was the daughter of Harry and Annie M. Reed Shields.

She retired in 1976 after 23 years as cafeteria supervisor at East Forest School, Marienville

Mrs. Gesin was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Marienville and had served as an elder and treasurer.

She also was a member of the Marienville Woman's Club, the Retired Teachers Association and the Bridge Club; and she belonged to Eastern Star Forest Chapter 482, where she was worthy matron and treasurer, and the Sylvania Chapter 102 Order of Eastern Star, Tionesta.

Her husband, Myron L. Gesin, who she married Oct. 15, 1938, died Aug. 17, 1962, at age 53.

Surviving are two sons, James Gesin and his wife, Margaret, of Plano, Texas, and Fred Gesin and his wife, Gail, of Butler; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. She also is survived by a sister-in-law, Earla Mae Shields, and several nieces and nephews.

<B>GESIN</B> — Friends of Laura Belle Gesin, who died Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at <B>Ronald McDonald Funeral Home</B>, 140 Cherry St., Marienville. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home with the Rev. Boyd Edmondson of Marienville Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will be at North Forest Cemetery, Marienville.Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, c/o Ronald McDonald Funeral Home, P.O. Box 447, Marienville, PA 16239.