Arista Hester

Arista (GURLEY) Hester Died at Home Here January 13, 1952.

   Mrs. Arista Hester, 76, died at her home in Vienna Monday morning, January 13. She had been in failing health for several months.

   Funeral services were held yesterday at the Tile Pentecostal Church in Vienna at 2:00 o'clock p.m. conducted by Rev. Vernie Osborn. Interment was in Vienna Fraternal Cemetery with the following acting as pall bearers: L.M. Elliott, Robbie Ford, Ralph Ford, Loren Ford Jr., Everett Brown and Jerry Pippins.

  The following obituary was read at the service:

Arista Hester was born on February 28, 1875, and departed her long and useful life on Sunday January 13, 1951. She was 76 years of age at her death. She was the daughter of Frank and Carrie (Gore) Gurley, living most of her life in the Oak Grove and No. Nine district of Johnson County. For the past several years, after retiring from farm life, she has lived at her residence in Vienna.

   She was first united in  marriage to William Henry, and to this union three children were born, two of which departed this life as infants. Her husband also passed away shortly thereafter. One daughter Mrs. Gertie Pippins of Vienna survives.

   Mrs. Hester was later married to Calvin C. Hester, two children of this marriage survive, Mrs. Myrtle Simmons, and Mrs. Freida Ford both of Vienna.

Also surviving is a foster son, Mr. Willie Pender, Highmore, SD, an orphan boy whom she took into her home and mothered to manhood and whom she loved as though he were her very own. Her happy life was saddened however, some three years ago, when her husband Calvin passed away.

   Her home was always open to everyone. She though her wants were few, found real enjoyment in her friends. She loved them all, and her house was the scene of many happy gatherings of these friends and relatives. Especially in the past few years, when her health had fallen so rapidly, they had become even more comfort to her. Mrs. Hester also greatly loved her church, and when her health permitted, this was indeed a most necessary part of her life. Though she is with us no more she will be long remembered by these many dear friends who knew her so intimately.

   In passing she leaves a long list of relatives. Surviving is a brother Loonie Gurley, Vienna, two sisters Mrs. A.M. Hester, Vienna, Mrs. Mary Taylor, Harrisburg, IL; three half sisters, Mrs. Ray McKenzie, Vienna, Mrs. Hazel McAllister and Mrs. Bertha Olive of Corona, California, and a half brother Mr. Melvin Gurley, Vienna. She leaves fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, as well as many other admiring relatives.

   May she rest in peace.