Judith Hester

Judith Ann "Judy" (Baker) Hester, 88 of Wakefield, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, following a short illness.

Judy was born on February 18, 1938, the third of six children to Deloss and Mae (Butler) Baker in Des Moines, Iowa.

In her childhood years she enjoyed tap dancing and performing publicly at local venues. She loved riding her horse Lucky.

Judy went to Park Avenue Grade School and attended Lincoln High School, where she met her handsome husband Don.

On May 27, 1955 Judy was joined in wedlock to Donald Ray Hester. Their early married life was spent in Des Moines and in 1956 they had their first of 5 children. Then in 1963 they made their home in Indianola, Iowa. In 1972 Don had a career opportunity that brought Don, Judy and the kids to Wakefield, Kansas.

Here they enjoyed frequent boating trips on Milford Lake, while adapting to small town life.

Judy made lifelong friends in Wakefield and Clay Center. She enjoyed raising the children and accompanying Don on family and RV business trips. The Hester home was a welcome place for all who entered. Judy loved the holidays, large family gatherings and Don loved to cook.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald Hester; her parents, Deloss and Mae Baker; her brothers, Dwain Baker, Robert Baker, her sisters; Dolores Duff, Jacqueline Shea, Sandra McCaw; her grandson; Geoffrey Alan and her dear friend Roy Taylor.

Judy is survived by

Dawn (Scott) Liby, Terri Hayworth, Jordi (Shari) Hester, Tracy (Judson) Lebo, Troy (Vicki) Hester.

17 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and the Roy Taylor Family.

Judy will be fondly remembered for her infectious sense of humor, love for God, and love for family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026 at the Madura Congregational Church in Wakefield, Kansas.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at the Highland Cemetery in Wakefield, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Scanolli's, 306 Dogwood St., Wakefield, Kansas, following graveside services. Food and drink will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wakefield Pavilion or to the Wakefield Museum and can be sent in care of the funeral home.