Nancy Grace Hester

Nancy G. Hester, 68, of Jackson, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born October 20, 1948, in Texas, to Alvin and Eunice Boatwright Amelunke.

Nancy was raised on the family farm southwest of Tilsit, Missouri. She was an active, lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilsit, also the church of her baptism, confirmation, and marriage. She attended the former Immanuel Lutheran Grade School and was a graduate of Jackson High School. She and Jerry Hester were married January 20, 1968.

Nancy was employed at the former hosiery mill and shoe factory in Jackson. She worked 40 years as a cook, primarily at Clippard Elementary School in Cape Girardeau. She still enjoyed working as a substitute cook for Cape Public Schools.

Nancy loved to be with her family, especially her grandchildren. In earlier years, she taught children's Sunday School and was active on the Fellowship Committee at Immanuel Church. She enjoyed flower gardening, crocheting, working word puzzles, and even though her profession was cooking, she still liked to cook at home.

Loving survivors include her husband of 49 years, Jerry Hester of Jackson; two sons: Brian (Amy) Hester and sons Quentin, Clayton, and Shelten of Millersville; Mark (Shirley) Hester and children Meriah and Jaren of Mountain Grove, Missouri; five siblings, Ruby Needham and Kathy Bellew of Fredericktown, Charlie (Ella Mae) Amelunke and Perry (Jolene) Amelunke of Whitewater, Missouri, Earl Amelunke of Gordonville, Missouri; and a sister-in-law, Carolyn (the late Bob) Amelunke of Fredericktown.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, Bob Amelunke.

Visitation is from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, August 24, 2017, at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral is at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 25, 2017, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Mark Boettcher officiating. Burial will follow at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery in Tilsit.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery Fund.