Catherine Virginia Hester

Catherine Virginia (York) Hester, 89, previously of Newburgh, IN, passed away Thursday, July 28, 2016 while surrounded by her family at one of her previous Newburgh homes. Catherine was born August 20, 1926, in Evansville to the late Sylvester James and Lida Mary York.

Catherine was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Charles Lloyd Hester, her parents and her two brothers, James and Leslie York.

She is survived by her children, David Hester (Donna), Carolyn Conners (Ron), Allen Hester (Karen); grandchildren, Brian Hester, Scot Hester, Heath Meyers, Jill Meyers, Jason Meyers, Robert Anthony Hester; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Catherine and her family moved to Evansville IN in 1926, then to Millersburg and finally to Newburgh in 1932, purchasing 20 acres that has now become York Road, and the Newburgh Rivertown Trailhead. Catherine was a teacher at the Newburgh Elementary School for 26 years, teaching first and third grades. She was active in many local organizations including the Newburgh Historical Society, Eastern Star, the National Education Association, Alpha Delta Kappa (Teacher Sorority) and SWIRCA. She was President of the Retired Teachers Association and also volunteered with the American Red Cross, including assignments at tornadoes, floods and the 911 disaster in New York. Catherine was a member of the Evansville Christian Science Church. When visiting in San Diego she would always volunteer at the USO. Catherine thoroughly enjoyed her retirement and felt fortunate to also be a world traveler.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, August 2, 2016, at Alexander Newburgh Chapel officiated by Pastor Lynn Martin with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit 4-8 pm on Monday and 10:00 AM until service time on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Catherine’s family would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice Care and the staff at Deaconess Gateway Hospital who all took wonderful care of her during here recent illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to SWIRCA & More of Evansville by mail at P.O. Box 3938, Evansville, IN 47737 or at www.swirca.org.