Obituary: Hester, Betty Lucille
Born April 26, 1928 to Samuel and Sally Hester; she was the youngest of four children and was raised on a farm near Thornton, WA.
Betty graduated from Rosalia High School in 1946, and attended Whitworth College in Spokane, WA for a year.
In 1948 Betty moved to Southern CA with a dear friend, Ruby Petrie.
She worked while attending college and in 1954 Betty graduated from Chapman College and started teaching that fall.
She worked for the Los Angeles School district a total of 32 years as a Certified Kindergarten through 12th Grade Teacher.
Her first position was a 2nd Grade Teacher for 2½ years and then 29½ years at Hillside Elementary where she taught K, 1st and 2nd grades during her time there.
In July 1986 Betty retired.
Betty loved her work and was an excellent teacher to numerous children.
She accepted them as they were and had a positive influence on their lives.
Betty was a kid herself at heart.
She touched many lives.
In fact, she was well remembered after her retirement by students and their parents alike for her kindness.
How Betty always cherished her roots in the Thornton area, and enjoyed visiting family there frequently.
She appreciated her wonderful childhood where Christian values were instilled.
Betty had a light spirit and a great sense of humor.
Christianity was important in her life.
Traveling was a favorite enjoyment of Betty’s.
Highlights were three extensive auto trips to the Northeast and several visits to The Grand Tetons for her summer vacation, including eight times in a row.
Betty was preceded in death by her two brothers, John H. Hester, Thornton, WA and Jack W. Hester, Laramie, WY and one nephew, John B. Hester, Laramie, WY.
At the time of her passing, she was survived by her sister, Mary Jane Austin, White Salmon, WA and six nephews and nieces: Roseanna Hester, Roasalia, WA; Sarah Hester, Spokane, WA; Chet (Chris) Hester, Germany; John B. Hester’s wife, Misty Ray Hester, Laramie WY; Sally Ann Hester, Grants Pass, OR; Ann Marie (Doug) Richards, White Salmon, WA, and David Austin, Clackamas, OR.
A very dear and special friend of Betty’s is Alfonzo Figuero and his family of Los Angeles.
They were her friends for many years and as she developed health issues they faithfully attended to her when needed.
Betty’s sister, Mary Jane Austin, lived with her for one year and 10 months before her passing and was a great cook and provided great companionship for Betty.
Betty was buried in the Thornton Cemetery May 15, 2015 in her parent’s cemetery lot.
We love you Betty.
CHENEY FUNERAL HOME, Cheney, WA