Zelpha Lee Lester

Zelpha Lester

Zelpha Lester, 86, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center in Unionville, MO, on Thursday, April 25, 2013. She had been a resident there for about five years.

Zelpha Lee (Kirkpatrick) Lester was born in Octavia, OK, on June 25, 1926, the daughter of George Ross and Janie (Padgett) Kirkpatrick, who preceded her in death. She worked as a riveter in an aircraft factory during World War II and later managed the shoe department at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona. Zelpha married Ray Desmon on January 21, 1946, and he preceded her in death.

Zelpha loved to travel and see different parts of the country; she also liked to try new things and make quilts for her family. She was always willing to help those who needed it. She loved her grandchildren dearly and regretted being unable to see them very often. Zelpha did not have an easy life, but she did the best she could with what she had.

Zelpha is survived by four children, Leveda Ashlin and husband Leonard of Unionville, MO; Carol Kolb and husband Jerry of Mena, AR; Steve Lester of Litchfield Park, AR; and Lyle Lester and wife Cheryl of Idabel, OK. Three grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren also survive.
Zelpha was preceded in death by her parents and husband as well as a sister, Peggy McGough, and brothers James Kirkpatrick and David Walls.

Funeral services for Zelpha Lester will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 11:30 am on Monday, April 29, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Putnam County Care Center and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.