Shannon Leanna Cesta-Hager

In Loving Memory of Shannon Leanne Cesta-Hager

After a courageous battle with lung disease and memory loss, Shannon peacefully went home to be with the Lord. Shannon leaves behind her life companion Roger, and his son Joshua; her son James (Amanda) and four amazing grandsons, twins Hunter and Graysen, Tanner and Phoenix; her beloved mother Melody; her two sister's, Sera (Mike) and their three children; Susan-Hope (Shane), and her three children and grandson; her only brother, Samuel (Carly) and their four children. As well as, her aunts and uncles; her many loved and treasured amazing nieces, nephews and cousins, and wonderful life-long friends. Her beloved pets, chiweenie Roscoe and fat cat Ellie Belly. She also held special relationships with many unrelated acquaintances throughout her life that would know and remember her well.

Shannon is preceded by many loved ones, relatives and dear friends she had lost along the way. They each had a profound influence in her life; a deep impact on her and who she was as a person; and to whom each individually, their memories remained a constant in her daily life and teachings.

Shannon is now peacefully reunited with all those she had lost including her beloved grandmother, Nancy, who instilled in her such a strong sense of moral values, a deep love of our Lord, and life principles that guided Shannon throughout her years. Shannon was led and guided by those teachings every single day, remembering her grandmother's lessons to live by; the Golden Rule, to honor God's Law, Nature's Law, and Man's Law.

Shannon raised her son James after his own biological mother, and her best friend tragically went missing at a very young age. Shannon loved and cared for Jamie and had such a strong bond with him since his birth. Throughout her life she lost many dear and close friends and relatives; more than any one person should have to bear losing. She took so much pride in raising Jamie with a strict but loving environment with her companion Roger. Their love and guidance shaped the wonderful young man and father he is today. She cherished these years and all the time she had with James, Josh, and all of her grandchildren. With love, she always instilled a demand of respect for herself, elders, as well as, her three younger siblings whom she shared such a special and close unique bond with individually.

Shannon met no stranger. She was known for her kindness, generosity, and non-judgmental spirit towards both people and animals. To many children, " Aunt Shannon" was simply another name for mother. Independent and strong-minded, “Aunt Shannon” and “Uncle Roger” always maintained a stable home, and kept their door open to those in need with no questions asked.

Shannon was the eldest child, grandchild, and cousin of her generation in both the Cesta and Hager families. A proud child of the 1970’s, Shannon's life was shaped by a deep love of music, stories and animals. Eclectic in spirit, she witnessed the rise of legendary artists across many genres - from hard rock pioneers, 80’s pop icons, groundbreaking rap and hip-hop artists, and the timeless voices of country music icons.

Raised in the country, Shannon developed a lifelong love of animals’ both city and farm animals alike, and she had a deep respect for nature. She rescued many stray animals over her years, and most recently had worked hard to win the trust of an abandoned rooster. She indeed won his trust, and named him Rupert (Ru) and eventually was able to temporarily house him in a coop until Rupert finally found a farm to call home. She was also a lover of squirrels, constantly having bags of peanuts by her door for as long as anyone can remember, and she always won their trust to eat them directly from her hand.

Shannon was an avid reader for more than 50 years, books were a constant source of comfort, inspiration, and understanding. Music, movies, literature, and animals brought her peace and joy throughout her life and remain part of the legacy she leaves behind.

Shani is loved by so many, and will be sorely missed.

Family will welcome friends and loved ones on Saturday, December 20, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Newcomer Funeral Home, Southwest, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio. A funeral service will follow at 5:00 p.m.