Shirley J. Hester, 86, Naubinway, Michigan passed away at 11:22 am on Monday, October 13, 2025, at her daughter's home in Jonesboro. She was born in Marion, Indiana, on Friday, August 18, 1939. On February 1, 1959, she married Charles E. Hester, Sr. and he preceded her in death.
Shirley was involved in the Homemakers Club of Grant County and attended First Friends Church. She was a creative woman and took classes for flower arranging and painting. Shirley loved watching and feeding birds, baking, and going for walks on the beach. After retirement, she spent many years enjoying her home in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan where her family visited often. More than anything, as a loving mother and grandmother, Shirley put the needs of her family first.
Survivors include her children, Connie (Gary) Hussong of Jonesboro, Charles E. (Kim Fisher) Hester, Jr. of New Castle, Cathy (Jay) Pulley of Marion, Lori (Thomas) Whiteman of Columbus, OH; grandchildren, Joe (Mendy) Hussong, Jon (Katherine Cool) Hester, Jason (Tiffany) Hester, Alex (Danielle) Pulley, Zachary Whiteman, Keiffer Whiteman, Landon Whiteman, Justin (Jamie) Fisher, Mac Fisher; great-grandchildren, Xander, Eve, Easton, Tristan, Jason, Jayden, Rylan, Dominick, Daren, Lillian, Ashton; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Laura Riddle; her parents who raised her, Joe and Martha McCarty; husband, Charles E. Hester, Sr.; son, James A. Hester; brothers, Robert Riddle, Frank Riddle, Billy Purvis; and sister, Jean Goodpaster.
The family will receive visitors from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, Storey Chapel, 400 E. Main St, Gas City, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate Shirley's life will begin at 12:00 pm. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Mariucci Family Beacon House, 200 S. 7th St., Marquette, MI, 49855 or a Hospital Hospitality House of the donor's choosing.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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