Shirley Lester

Shirley Ann Lester nee Nanke was born July 5, 1931 to James and Elma Carr Nanke in What Cheer, Iowa.  She entered into Salvation on July 15, 2018 in Aledo, Illinois.

Visitation is Thursday, July 19th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Dennison Funeral Home, Viola.  Funeral services are 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 20th at the funeral home with Rev. Matthew Downey of Viola United Presbyterian Church officiating.  Burial will be in Viola Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers are Mike Lester, Jacob Lester, Crystal Nesbitt, Jeff Skiles, Ben Newton and Joel Gallagher.  Honorary pallbearers are Ken Lester and Morgan Lester.  Memorials may be left to the family for a memorial to be established.

Shirley graduated in 1948 from What Cheer High School in What Cheer, Iowa.  She was joined in marriage on January 10, 1953 to Ralph Lester.  Their union was broken after 56 years when he passed on May 24, 2009.  She enjoyed being a farm wife, but had been employed outside the home at Servus Rubber, Harold’s Market in Viola and Happy Joe’s in Aledo. Shirley enjoyed growing flowers, sewing, scrapbooking, the Iowa Hawkeyes and her numerous pets.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her sons:  Kenneth Lester of New Windsor and Michael (Sherri) Lester of Viola; sister:  Diana Alderson of Arizona; grandchildren:  Brandy, Crystal, Jacob and Morgan and several nieces and nephews.

Shirley was welcomed into heaven by her parents, husband, brothers:  Don and Louie, sister:  Ruthie and daughter-in-law:  Shelley.

The family would like to thank the staff at Aledo Rehab and Health Care Center for the years of love and true care and concern shown to Shirley.

Online condolences may be left www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.