Barbara “Joanne” Lester went home to be with her Savior on February 18, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She is survived and deeply missed by her loving husband of 63 ½ years, Dee Lester; daughters, Peggy (Rick) Tanker and Penny Files; son, Mark (Nikki Rud) Lester; grandchildren, Nathan Tanker, Jacob Tanker, Adam Lester, Lucas Files, Heather Blair, Marissa Lester, Joshua Lester, Kaitlyn Rud and Makenzi Rud; many great-grandchildren; half brother, Fred (Jane) Thurston; sister-in-laws; many nieces and nephews and many very special friends that were like family to her. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and her daughter Julie Lynn Lester, as well as several brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws who were like her own siblings.
She was born March 9, 1943 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of Fred and Cleo Thurston. She was a member of Berean Baptist Church for over 50 years. Loving wife and mother and grandmother. She worked by her husband’s side for the family business for many years. She enjoyed entertaining in her home with family and friends. Joanne loved her vacation home in Kentucky. Dee and Joanne spent many hours fishing and enjoying retirement. She loved sitting out on the patio, visiting and cooking with family and friends. She loved crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, cross-stitching, solitaire and dancing.
Joanne was a woman who exhibited strength, perseverance, courage and endurance. She was genuine, generous, kind and content just to be present. Joanne was a woman of faith, of fight and loved her family and friends with every ounce of her heart. She will be deeply missed by all of her family and friends.
A visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m., Friday, February 24, 2023 at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL 61115 with a funeral service to begin at 2:00 p.m. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To share a condolence, please visit www.Sunsetfhmemgardens.com.
