Barbara E. Hester-Patton

The Lord saw how tired you were from suffering and said, “Come with Me” and peacefully took you into His Almighty Hands.

Barbara E. Hester-Patton went to be with her Maker on July 14, 2022 at the age of 83 years, surrounded by many of her loving family members at the home of her daughter Karmen, in Caledonia, Michigan.  She had struggled many years with cancer.

Barbara was born in Marshall, Michigan on April 13, 1939 to Russell Ranger and Helen (nee Scott) Ranger.  She was the sole girl and youngest of three children born to Russell and Helen.  Her brothers, Alvin Ranger and Maynard Ranger, preceded her in death.  Barbara lived in the Marshall area for most of her life and was a 1957 graduate of Marshall High School.

Barbara enjoyed many activities in life such as square dancing (back in the day), meeting up with family and friends, and dancing to her favorite country music while at home.  She enjoyed the frequent camping trips with family.  Barbara loved to crochet and made numerous beautiful pieces that were shared with many.  She had a large collection of bird feeders in her yard and loved watching through her front window all the birds who visited.  She especially loved hummingbirds.  In fact, she loved birds so much, she collected all sorts of bird statues that filled her china cabinet.  Barbara was a loyal friend who humbly helped out family and friends who needed support, even if it was just to be a kind shoulder to lean on.  This was a natural, special and unique part of Barbara that all will remember.

Barbara was a devoted wife to her first husband, Stuart F. Hester, Sr. who she was married to for 44 years before he passed on March 15, 2001.  Barbara and Stuart had three children, Karmen (Mike) Cance of Caledonia, Stuart F. Hester, Jr., of Marshall.  Her youngest son, Keith Hester, also preceded her in death.  She spent 19 contented years married to her second husband, Kenneth J. Patton of Marshall and Alma, Michigan, who recently passed away on November 28, 2021.

Barbara was deeply loved and will be missed by many, especially her family.  Aside from two of her children, Karmen and Stuart Jr., Barbara is survived by stepchildren, Klay (Shelly) Patton, Kurt Patton and Kathy (Ralph) Patton-Eriksson.  She leaves eight grandchildren; Lisa (Tyrone) Norman, Heather (David) Liddell, Michael Cance Jr., Travis Hester, Alan (David) Hester-Bye, Allison Hester and Quintin Hester.  She was blessed to also have five great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, several loving and devoted nieces and nephews who she treasured so much.  Son Keith Hester and grandson Brandon Cance, paved the golden steps to Heaven for Barbara in the years 2005 and 2016, respectively.

There will be a Memorial Visitation at 12:00 noon on July 25, 2022 at Kempf Funeral Home, 723 US Hwy 27 North, Marshall, Michigan 49068, followed by the Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m.  Officiating will be Steve Byrens.  A luncheon in the reception area will follow.

Condolences can be made at http://www.kempfuneralhome.com