Edna Ruth Strickland Hester, age 96, a resident of the Sugar Grove Community in Roane County, passed away Thursday, Dec. 20, at NHC of Oak Ridge.
Mrs. Hester was born on Sept. 30, 1916, in the former Wheat Community in Roane County. She grew up in Wheat, and she was one of seven students that graduated from the Wheat High School, Class of 1935.
Mrs. Hester was a Christian and a member of the First Baptist Church in Oliver Springs. She was of strong moral fiber, and she loved the Lord, her family, and her country. In the early years, she taught school at Orchard View, Dyllis, and Oliver Springs schools. She loved children, and she enjoyed watching their development and accomplishments.
She was a homemaker who loved her home, flower gardening, watching various sports, and traveling.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mache Strickland and Myrtle McKinney Strickland; by her husband, Rhea E. Hester; by six brothers, Mack, Gene, Ralph, Jimmy, Billy and Bobby Strickland, and by a daughter-in-law, Sharon K. Hester.
She is survived by a daughter, Emily Ann Hester of Sugar Grove Valley; and by sons, Ray Edward Hester and wife Carloyn Sue Hester of Sugar Grove Valley, Gayley Hester and wife Norma of Sevierville, Howard Eugene Hester and wife Donna Sue of Oliver Springs, and Jerry M. Hester of Sugar Grove Valley.
She is also survived by a sister, Adeline Prater of Oliver Springs; by 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren; and by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Graveside services and burial will be held Saturday, Dec. 22, at 1 p.m. at the Sugar Grove Valley Cemetery. Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com
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