Josephine M. Lester, 89, formerly of Avon, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at Seasons Care Center, Kansas, Missouri.
Jo was born on July 19, 1931 in Amsterdam, Bates County, Missouri. She was the daughter of Harold and Lillian (Miller) Ennis. Jo married Gene Sherman on August 25, 1950 in Yates City, Illlinois. She later married Kendell Lester on October 8, 1976 in Quincy, Illinois. Kendell preceded her in death on August 14, 2020. She is survived by her children, Jerald (Debbie) Sherman of LaBelle, Fl; Ed (Kim) Sherman of Helena Montana, Kathy Powell of Seattle, Washington, and Rosemary Friend of Kansas City, Missouri; siblings LaVerne Ennis of Ocala, Florida, Fred (Carol) Ennis of Piperton, Tennessee, and Vada (Tom) Ireton of Bartonville; fourteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and stepson Mark Lester of Galesburg. Along with her husband Kendell, she was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Harold Ennis, Jr.; one grandson, Brian Sherman; one daughter-in-law, Diane Sherman; and one son-in-law, Bill Powell.
Jo was a member of the Elmwood Methodist Church. She worked at Maytag for 29 years, retiring in 1996. Jo enjoyed quilting, crafting, woodworking, gardening and watching the birds in her yard. She made the BEST applesauce around. Most of all, Jo enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the little ones.
Per Josephine’s wishes, cremation rites were accorded. A burial of cremated remains will be at 10 AM on Sunday, July 18, 2021 at Good Hope Cemetery, Good Hope, IL. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorials may be donated to Seasons Care Center, 15600 Woods Chapel Road, Kansas City, MO 64139. Expressions of sympathy maybe left to the family at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
