Marianna B. Nester, 79, of Whitehall, died Jan. 8, 2026, at St. Luke’s Hospital, Allentown.

Born in Allentown, she was the daughter of the late Kermit H. and Marianna B. (Tognoli) Trout.

She was a 1964 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School. She attended Joyce Art School of Beauty Culture in the evenings while still in high school, becoming a licensed hairdresser by her senior year.

Her passion for the industry led her to become a beauty school instructor and later the owner and operator of several Lehigh Valley salons, including The Hair Factory and The Hair Works, both in Allentown, and Makin’ Waves in Catasauqua.

She is survived by a son, Joseph B. with Teal of Coplay; a daughter, Amanda L. with Brendan Ebeling of New Tripoli; two grandchildren, Anna and Ryan Ebeling; a former husband, Robert S. of New Tripoli; and several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

There will be a calling time 10-11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial 11 a.m., Jan. 31 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church, 618 Fullerton Ave., Whitehall, 18052.

Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, c/o the funeral home, 8405 Kings Highway, New Tripoli, 18066.

Arrangements were made by Nester Funeral Home Inc.