Lester Family Obituaries

Lester Family Obituaries

by Lyndell C. Miller



WILLIAM HOWARD LESTER, 9/7/1831 TO 2/1/1896

Mr. William Howard Lester was born in Quaker Town, Pennsylvania, September 7, 1831. He died of heart failure and dropsy at his home near Bonanza, Saturday, February 1, 1896, aged 64 years, 6 months, and 22 days. When a boy he moved from Pennsylvania to Coshocton county Ohio, then to Indiana in 1853; from there to Caldwell county in 1868, where he has since resided. He was married to Miss Marietta E. Odle, September 14, 1854, in Deerfield county, Indiana, and leaves a wife and four grown children to mourn his loss three boys and one girl. He served one year in the 22nd Regt. Co A Indiana, Volunteers, and was highly appreciated by his superior officers for his manly courage and the faithful discharge of all the duties devolving upon a soldier. Having been raised a Quaker of the strictest kind he never made any profession of religion, but was loved and respected by all his neighbors and friends as a man of the highest moral character and of the strictest integrity. On his death bed he said "I am not afraid to die for death is only a change from mortality and immortality, I shall live again." Reverend S.E. Turner assisted by Reverend Burriss conducted the funeral services Sunday morning at the home, and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery at Kingston, Missouri. (Kingston Newspaper February, 1896)


MARIETTA E (ODLE) LESTER 08/19/1835-2/10/1897

Marietta E Lester, widow of the late Howard Lester, residing in New York Township, South of Bonanza, dropped dead in her home, Wednesday, about 7 o'clock in the evening. She was as well as usual during the day. Her daughter went out to do the milking and upon her return found a chair turned over, upon which the mother had been seated, and Mrs. Lester laying upon the floor dead. She died of heart trouble. Mrs. Marietta E. Lester was 61 years old and leaves three sons, Ben, Mood, and Hooker, and one daughter, Miss Bessie Lester to mourn her departure. The funeral will be taken place today at 1:00 in the Kingston cemetery. (mistakes her name was listed Mary E., her age as 58 have been corrected). Kingston, Missouri paper, February 12, 1897.


JOHN BENNINGTON "BEN" LESTER, 10/20/1856 to 11/20/1928

John Bennington Lester passed away yesterday November 29, 1928. Mr. Lester the son of Howard and Marietta Lester was born October 20, 1856, at Portland, Indiana, Jay County. Mr. Lester married Mary Ella Mylar February 2, 1881 at the Hopewell Church, Caldwell county, Missouri. He is survived by his wife Mary Ella, 3 sons: James Howard Lester; Jesse Bennington Lester; Joseph Wallace Lester. 5 daughters: Edna Belle Lewallen, Lettie Ellen Wallace; Bessie Merle Mills; Mary Elfdora St. John; Janie Mae Miles; Mr. Lester moved his family to Nebraska in 1883 and then back to Caldwell county in 1890. In 1899 they moved to Montevallo, Missouri where he and his brother Mood Lester had a mill. Mr. Lester moved back to Nebraska about 1909 and then back to Montevallo in 1920. Services for Mr. Lester will be in Jerico Springs, with burial in Brasher Cemetery.


MARY ELLA MYLAR LESTER, 11/22/1862 to 1/27/1953

Mary Ella Lester passed away January 22, 1953 at the home of her daughter in Jerico Springs, Missouri. Mrs. Lester was born November 22, 1862 at Otteville, Putname county, OH., and quietly went to be with the Lord about 5:00 Tuesday evening, January 27, 1953 at the age of 90 years, 2 months, 6 days. Her parents were James Mylar and Susan Ellen Yates.

At the age of 14 she was converted at a United Brethren Church in Wood County, OH. In 1879 she moved with her mother and 2 brothers to Caldwell county, Missouri in a covered wagon, her father having passed away on October 29, 1871.

She was united in marriage to John Bennington Lester, February 20, 1881. In 1924 they moved back to Jerico Springs, Missouri and united with the Methodist church there. Mr. Lester preceded her in death at Jerico Springs, April 30, 1928.

For the past 12 years Mrs. Lester has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Lettie Wallace, where she had been lovingly cared for.

Mrs. Lester is survived by 3 sons: James Howard Lester, Montevallo; Jesse Bennington Lester, Grand Island, NE; Joseph Wallce Lester, National City, CA. 5 daughters: Edna Belle Lewallen, El Dorado Springs; Lettie Ellen Wallace, Montevallo; Bessie Merle Mills, Arnold, NE; Mary Eldora St. John, Rocky Ford, CO; Janie Mae Miles, Thedford, NE; Burial will be in the Brasher Cemetery north west of Jerico Springs, MO.

There are 20 living grandchildren, one deceased; 15 great-great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Heaven at Last
Angel voices sweetly singing, Echoes through the blue dome ringing,
News of wondrous gladness bringing; Ah, 'tis heaven at last!

Funeral services were held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, January 29, 1953 at Montevallo Baptist Church by Rev. Milo Haymes officiating. Interment Brasher Cemetery under direction of Long Funeral Home, Jerico Springs, MO.

Songs, "All the Way My Savior Leads Me", "In the Garden", by quartet, Nellie Owens, C. J. Hamby, Ola Anderson, Ira Kauffman. Solo, "The Old Rugged Cross", by Mrs. Marks.

Pallbearers: E. B. Armstrong, John Owens, M. A. Mossbarger, John Baker, Chester Crawford, C. J. Hamby.

Flowerbearers: Mrs. C. J. Hamby, Mrs. J. Baker, Mrs. Elizabeth Coffin, Mrs. Ira Kauffman, Mrs. Viola Shellhorn, Mrs. Edna May.

Card of Thanks
We wish to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all who assisted us in any way during the illness and following the death of our other, Mrs. Mary Ella Mylar Lester. Your kindness will always be remembered. The family of Mary Ella Mylar Lester.


EDNA BELLE LESTER LEWALLEN, 2/13/1882 to 8/18/1957

Edna Belle Lester was born February 13, 1882, in Caldwell county, near Kingston, Missouri, the daughter of John Bennington and Mary Ella Lester and departed this life August 18 at the Gleason nursing home in El Dorado Springs. She was 75 years of age. At an early age she moved with her parents to Nebraska, then back to Caldwell county in the early 1890's. In 1901 she moved with her parents in a covered wagon to Vernon county, Missouri, near Montevallo. When she was 20 years of age, she married Asa Rolin Lewallen at Stockton, Missouri on February 26, 1902. Mrs. Lewallen is survived by her husband, A. R. Lewallen, son James Lester Lewallen, of El Dorado Springs, and 2 daughters, Beulah Ellen Lester Brown and Cora Frances Maphies. Six grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 4 sisters, Lettie Wallace, Montevallo; Merl Mills, Arnold, NE; Dora St. John, Rocky Ford, CO; Mae Miles, Thedford, NE; 3 brothers, Howard Lester, Montevallo; Jesse Lester, Central City, NE; Joe Lester, National City, CA.

She was a member of the Jerico Springs Christian Church at 2:00 Wednesday, Rev. Frank Calame officiating, internment was in Brasher cemetery, the Gwinn-Carothers funeral home in charge.


ASA ROLIN LEWALLEN, 9/12/1874 to 5/7/1963

Asa R. Lewallen, son of Jacob and Margaret Lewallen was born near Stockton, MO., September 12, 1874 and passed away at the McCaimon Boarding house in El Dorado Springs, at 6:30, May 7, 1963 at the age of 88 years, 7 months, and 21 days. He moved to Jerico Springs in 1886 where he remained until moving to El Dorado Springs in 1951.

He was united in marriage to Edna Lester, February 25, 1902, who preceded him in death August 18, 1957. To this union was born 3 children: James Lester and Beulah of El Dorado Springs and Cora Frances of Erie, Kansas. His sister preceded him in death in 1957.

Besides his three children he leaves 6 grand children, 3 great grand children and a host of relatives and friends.

Last rites were held in the Christian Church in Jerico Springs at 2:00 pm Wednesday afternoon, May 8, 1968. The reverend Arthur Kicenski officiating.

Mr. and Mrs. Myron Smith, Bessie Pyle and H. G. Roper sang "In the Garden" and "Going Down the Valley"; Lutie Brasher, accompanist.

Escorts were Guy Todd, Martin Miller, A. C. Swisher, Walter Albrect, H. O. Albrecht and A. C. Albrecht.

Interment was in the Brasher Cemetery under direction of Long Funeral Home.

Card of Thanks. We wish to express our sincere thanks and deep appreciation to our friends and relatives for their kind and thoughtful deeds, bestowed upon us during our recent bereavement, the loss of our father, Asa Lewallen. May God bless you. The family.


VELMA STOCKSTILL LEWALLEN, 9/14/1911 to 8/21/1986

Velma Stockstill Lewallen, 74, was born on September 14, 1911, at Olympia, the daughter of Louis and Emma Fain Stockstill. She passed away on Thursday, August 21, 1986, at St. John's Regional Health Care Center in Springfield after a short illness.

Velma was united in marriage to James Lewallen on May 18, 1941, and to this union, 1 child, Lana Sue Jones was born.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, of the home; her daughter and son in law, Lana Sue and Tom Jones; 2 grandsons, Kurt and Krag Jones, all of Roswell, New Mexico. One sister, Jewell Curry, of Albany, Oregon; 2 brothers, Earl Stockstill of El Dorado Springs and Roy Stockstill of Shenandoah, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Velma was saved while in Oklahoma, before returning to Missouri. After returning to Missouri, she attended Central Missouri State College, earning teaching degree. She started teaching at White Hall School in 1932 and taught at several other rural schools until 1944. In 1946, Velam taught 1st grade at the Liston School for 5 years, then special education for a number of years. In 1961, she came to the South school to teach 2nd grade until 1971, when she retired, after a total of 34 years.

Velma was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the 20th Century Club, being an active member in each one. She was a devoted wife, mother and grand mother and friend.

Services were held on Monday afternoon, August 25, at the Hackleman-Peterman Chapel with Rev. G. H. Sublett officiating. Organ selections were played by Earlene May. Interment was in the El Dorado Springs Cemetery under the direction of the Hackleman-Peterman Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Robert May, Larry Stockstill, Mary Stockstill, Dennis Stockstill, Dean Brees and Clarence Throne.


LETTIE ELLEN LESTER WALLACE, 12/4/1884 to 2/11/1964

Lettie Ellen Lester Wallace, daughter of J. Ben Lester and Mary Ella Lester was born on her father's homestead December 4, 1884, near Arcardia, NE. She passed away at Valentine, NE., February 11, 1964.

She spent the first 5 years of her life in Nebraska moving with her family to Caldwell county Missouri at the age of 6. She came to the Montevallo community where she lived the rest of her life. She married William Walter Wallace in Vernon County on October 14, 1903. One son was born of this union, Eldon W. Wallace. Mr. Wallace passed away September 27, 1940. Also preceding her in death her mother, father, 2 sisters and a brother.

Mrs. Wallace joined the Montevallo Baptist Church in August, 1939.

She is survived by her 2 sisters, Merle (Mrs. Charles Mills) of Arnold and Mae (Mrs. Austin Miles) of Thedford, NE; 2 brothers, Jesse Lester of Thedford, NE.; and Joe Lester of San Diego, CA; her husband's 4 sisters and 2 brothers, many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Funeral services were conducted 2:00pm Friday, February 14, at the Montevello Baptist Church, Rev. Robert Loy officiating. Songs "Sunrise", "When Jesus Came" and "Beyond the Sunset" were sung by Mrs. Basil Mark accompanist, Mrs. Doris May.

Escorts: Everett Frazier, John Hudson, J. C. Shellhorn, Earl May, Basil Mark and Herbert Cooper. Interment in the Olive Branch Cemetery.


JAMES HOWARD LESTER, 3/26/1887 to 3/1/1959

James Howard Lester, son of Ben Lester and Ella Mylar Lester was born March 26, 1887 and passed away yesterday, March 1, 1959, at Montevallo, Missouri, for the past 18 years he had lived with his sister Mrs. Lettie Wallace.

Surviving him are 4 sisters and 2 brothers, Lettie Wallace, Merle Mills, Dora St. John, Mae Miles, Jesse Lester and Joe Lester, 20 nephews and nieces. Bill Lester and Hope Fellows are cousins. One sister, Edna Lewallen, passed away August 18, 1957.

The Lester family lived at Jerico Springs from 1922 until 1940 where he was a member of the Methodist church. He had been an invalid since he was 7 years old, when he was stricken with bone erysipelas. He was a patient sufferer and had many friends.

Funeral services were conducted in the Montevallo Baptist Church at 2:00pm, Wednesday, March 4, 1959, Joseph Ridgeway, officiating. Songs" "In the Garden", and "The Old Rugged Cross", were sung by J. Milo Haynes, accompanied by Mrs. Haynes. Flower bearers were members of the Dorcas Sunday School Class. Escorts were: C. J. Hamby, Ira Kauffman, John Owens, Chester Crawford, John Baker, and Basil Mark. Interment was in the Brasher Cemetery under direction of the Long Funeral Home of Jerico Springs.

Card of Thanks. We want to thank everyone for all their kindness and help, flowers, food and opening of the grave for James Howard Lester. The family of James Howard Lester.


BESSIE MERLE LESTER MILLS, 2/25/1889 to 3/10/1982

Bessie Merle Lester Mills passed away yesterday, March 10, 1982. She was born in a sod house near Arcadia, NE., February 2, 1889. She moved with her parents to Caldwell county, MO., in 1890 and then to Montevallo, MO., in 1899. In 1907 her family moved back to Nebraska where she met Charles Mills and they were married at Arnold, NE., Ocotber 26, 1910.

Merle and Charles have one son, Lowell Milton Mills. They lived for awhile in Fowler, CO., before moving back to Arnold. Services were at the Arnold Methodist Church with burial in the Arnold Cemetery.


MARY ELDORA LESTER, 3/27/1892 to 6/23/1952

Mary Eldora Lester St. John passed away June 23, 1952, she was born March 23, 1892 near Kingston, MO. In 1899 her family moved to Montevallo, MO. Her family moved to Nebraska in 1907 and to Fowler, CO., in 1916. After her family moved back to Nebraska she went to school in Broken Bow. While in high school she was called upon to teach the 8th grade. She returned to high school and graduated with her sister Janie Mae in 1914 at Arnold, NE. In 1922 she was teaching in Rocky Ford, CO., where she met Orlo St. John whom she married May 26, 1925. They lived in Rocky Ford all their married life. Survivors: a daughter Elma Marie Ballou and a son Ben Otis St. John.

"I'm fully aware my youth has been spent,
That my get-up and go has got up and went.
But I really don't mind as I think with my grin,
Of all the grand places my get-up has been."
Dora St. John

Mrs. St. John was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the American Legion Auxiliary. Burial in the Rocky Ford Cemetery.


JANIE MAE LESTER MILES, 11/27/1894 to 7/12/1982

Janie Mae Lester Miles passed away July 12, 1982 at Valentine, NE. Mrs. Miles was born November 27, 1894 southwest of Kingston, MO at the home of her grandfather. Her family moved to Montovallo, MO in 1899 where she started school. Her family moved by covered wagon to Arnold, NE. She was valedictorian of her class at Arnold High School in 1914. She attended Kearney State Teachers College and taught school at Logan, NE. She married Austin Miles, August 16, 1916 at Fowler, CO. Mr. Miles passed away July 29, 1972. Survivors: 4 sons; Lester Austin Miles, Robert Charles Miles, Samuel Spencer Miles, Bernard J. Miles; 2 daughters, Eldora Mae Hardy, Merle Marie Melcher. Burial in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Thedford, NE.


JESSE BENNINGTON LESTER, 7/25/1898 TO 4/27/1984

Jesse Bennington Lester passed away April 27, 1984, at his home in Vancouver, WA. Mr. Lester was born July 25, 1898 southeast of Kingston, MO. In 1899 his family moved in a covered wagon to Montovallo, MO. In 1907 his family moved to Arnold, NE. In 1915 they moved to Fowler, CO and then back to Arnold, NE.

Mr. Lester married Sarah Marie Leach, September 3, 1922 at Arnold. They had 7 children of which 6 survive. Howard Monroe Lester, Jesse Bennington Lester, Charles Eugene Lester, Robert James Lester, 2 daughters, Brittie Ella Martin, Joe An Berneice Clark. A son, Joseph Bennington Lester preceded him in death. Burial, Memory Memorial Park Cemetery, Vancouver, Washington.


JOSEPH WALLACE LESTER, 5/8/1902 to 6/6/1975

Joseph Wallace Lester, the 8th child of Ben and Mary Ella Lester, was born near Milo, Missouri, May 5, 1902. Mr. Lester passed away June 6, 1975, San Diego, CA. Mr. Lester went to school in Nebraska, 1 year his sister Dora was his teacher. Mr. Lester married Eleanora Nettie Schnider, November 5, 1928 at Ithaca, NE. They farmed at Wahoo and Ithaca, NE. In 1935 the Lesters moved to National City, CA.

They had 2 children who survive, Alma Maribeth Lester Foster and Jack William Lester. Burial in the Greenwood Cemetery, San Diego, CA.


WILLIAM WALLACE "MOOD" LESTER, 4/22/1858 to 8/12/1914

William Wallace "Mood" Lester passed away at his home near Montovallo, August 12, 1914. Mr. Lester died of a heart attack. Mr. Lester was born April 22, 1858 at Portland, Jay county, Indiana. The second son of Howard and Marietta Lester. Mr. Lester moved with his parents to Caldwell county, Missouri by covered wagon in 1868. Mr. Lester moved to near Montovallo, Missouri in 1899 and ran a Mile with his brother Ben.

Mr. Lester is survived by his wife Mary, his 3 daughters, Cora Lester, Elizabeth, Francis, 2 sons, Mayen and Joseph Lester of the home. Funeral services were today, with burial in the Olive Branch Cemetery, near Montovallo.

IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF William Wallace "Mood" Lester
Died August 12, 1914, age 56 years

Gone but not forgotten; a precious one from us has gone,
A voice we loved is stilled; a place is vacant in our home,
Which never can be filled; God in his wisdom has recalledk
The boon his love has given, and through the body slumbers here,
The soul is safe in Heaven.


MARY HEEEENRIETTA SATER LESTER STEBURG, 2/27/1872 to 4/12/1958

Final rites for Mrs. Mary Henrietta Steburg, who passed away in Sheridan, WY., on April 8, were held from the Hays Funeral Chapel in Nevada, Missouri on Saturday, April 12, 1958 at 3:00pm.

The Rev. Robert Turner, pastor of the Pine Street Baptist Church of Nevada, officiated. Mrs. M. M. Wolff was organist.

Pallbearers were: James Lester Lewallen, Colorado Springs; William H. Lester, Milo; Jack J. Owen of Sheldon; E. B. Armstrong of Montevallo; J. W. Baker, Montevallo; and Dewey Palmer, Nevada.

Interment was made in the Olive Branch cemetery.

Mary Henrietta, daughter of Henry W. Sater and Mary Ann (Roaney) Sater, was born at Richmond, Ray county, MO on February 27, 1872. She passed to her eternal rest at Sheridan, Wyoming, on April 8, 1958 at the age of 86 years, 1 month and 11 days.

She was united in marriage to William Wallace Lester at Kingston, Missouri on April 6, 1892 and 5 children were born to this union: Cora H. (Mrs. A. R. Robison) of Escondido, CA.; Elizabeth (Mrs. L. M. Steburg), Arnold, NE.; Frances E. (Mrs. G. R. Lockhart), Plattsmouth, NE.; B. Wayne Lester, Recluse, WY.; and Joseph Edward Lester, Escondido, CA.

Mr. Lester passed away August 12, 1914.

On March 31, 1923, Mrs. Lester was united in marriage to Gustave E. Steburg at Kearney, NE. They resided in Arnold until March 1945 when they moved to Long Beach, CA.

Mr. Steburg passed away September 11, 1948 in Long Beach, CA. Following the death of Mr. Steburg, Mrs. Steburg went to the home of her son and daughter in law, Mr. and Mrs. Mayne Lester for a time. As long as she was able to travel she visited among her children.

The past three years she has made her home with her son, Mayne Lester. Mrs. Steburg was a member of the Baptist Church. She is survived by her 5 children, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.


CORA HELEN LESTER ROBISON, 2/1/1894 to 5/27/1964

Cora Helen, eldest child of William Wallace Lester and Mary Henrietta Sater Lester, was born at Kingston, Caldwell County, Missouri, February 1, 1894. She passed to her eternal rest May 27, 1964 at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, CA., at the age of 70 years, 3 months, 26 days. She was a member of the Olive Branch Baptist Church in Missouri.

In 1899, she moved with her parents and 2 sisters to Vernon county, MO. She received her education in the public schools of Vernon County, Missouri, Cotty Junior College, at Nevada, Missouri and the State University at Columbia, Missouri. She taught school in Missouri, Nebraska and Wyoming.

She was united in marriage to ARchie R. Robison on September 12, 1914. 2 daughters, Ruth (Mrs. A. E. Handley of La Jolla, CA.) and Betty Jayne (Mrs. J. E. Nelson of Arnold, NE.) were born to bless this union. In 1915, Mr. and Mrs. Robison moved to Campbell county, WY., where they took a homestead and engaged in cattle ranching. They moved to California in 1942 where they engaged in business enterprises besides owning and operating a ranch near Escondido, CA.

Mrs. Robison was an enthusiastic sportswoman. She was an expert bowler, an expert horsewoman, and also enjoyed hunting on the prairies and in the Big Horn Mountain in Wyoming. Besides her husband and her 2 daughters, she is survived by 3 grandchildren, Roland Kerry Potter, Sandra Zoe and Susan Marie Nelson all of Arnold, NE.; her 2 son in laws, 2 brothers, B. Mayne Lester of Recluse, WY., and Joseph E. Lester, Escondido, CA; 1 sister, Elizabeth (Mrs. L. M. Steburg of Arnold, NE.) and many other relatives and a host of friends in Missouri, Nebraska, Wyoming and California where she spent most of her life. Her parents and 1 sister, Frances (Mrs. Garland Lockhart), preceded her in death.

God has His mysteries of Grace
Ways that we cannot tell
He hides them deep like hidden sleep
Of her we loved so well.


ELIZABETH LESTER STEBURG, 3/19/1895 to 4/5/1982

Elizabeth Lester Steburg, daughter of William and Mary Henrietta Lester was born in Caldwell county, Missouri March 19, 1895. She passed away at the Callaway Hospital on April 5, 1982. She had been a resident of the Good Samaritan Home for the past 2 years.

In early childhood she moved with her parents to Vernon county, MO. She came to Nebraska in 1913, where she taught school, having attended the University of Missouri and also Kearney State Teacher's College.

On April 14, 1916 she was united in marriage to Leonard M. Steburg, a young Arnold merchant. 2 children, Leonard Marucie and Margaret Eileen, blessed this union.

Elizabeth was associated with her husband in the funeral business for 25 years, and was the 1st woman in Nebraska to earn an embalmer's license by successfully passing the entire National Conference examination for embalmers. After selling their funeral home to Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Quig in 1945, they were engaged in the insurance and real estate business until Leonard's death in 1958. Elizabeth then retired and lived in Arnold until September, 1974 when she sold her home and moved to Broken Bow.

Active in civic, church, professional and political organizations, Elizabeth was a member of the Episcopal Church, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of Founders and Patriots, Nebraska State and Custer County Historical Societies, Order of the Eastern Star, and Rebekahs. She was an officer in the 7th District Nebraska Funeral Directors Association, served 2 terms as president of Arnold Federated Women's Club, and was the first Girl Scout Chairman in Arnold. Her avocation was writing the history of pioneer settlers in this area, and she also wrote the history of the A.W.I.C. which is in the cornerstone of the Finch Memorial Library. Elizabeth was the first woman to receive the unique appointment by the Governor as an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy.

Mrs. Steburg is survived by her son and daughter in law, Leonard and Marthaleen of Denver; her daughter and son in law, Margaret and Thord Powers of Fallbrook, CA.; 2 granddaughters: Michele Steburg of Denver and Cheryl Cole and her husband Allen of Warwick, New York and great grandson John Cole; 2 brothers, Joseph Lester of Marysville, WA., and his wife Marjorie and Mayne Lester of Buffalo, WY., and his wife Theta; numerous other relatives and many friends.

A memorial fund was established (in lieu of flowers) to the Holy Trinity Church or the Good Samaritan Rest Home in Callaway, NE.

Memorial services for Elizabeth Steburg were held Saturday, April 10 at 1:00pm from the Arnold United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Meyer and Father James Krotz officiating. Music was provided by Mrs. C. D. Quig.

Honorary pallbearers were: Tom Faherty, Crawford Pool, Val Hunse, Mynor Smith, Albert Rosentrater, Alvin Pearson and Floyd Lucas. Active pallbearers were Fay Wilson, Bob Forrester, Claris Street, John Nelson, Ken Wehrman and Bob Smith.

Interment was in the Arnold Cemetery with the Arnold Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
LEONARD M. STEBURG, 11/16/1891 to 3/19/1958

Funeral services were held on Sunday, March 23 at 2:30pm from the Methodist Church in Arnold for Leonard M. Steburg, who died on Wednesday evening, March 19 in a North Platte hospital.

Officiating was Rev. Ray W. Schaumburg, Vicar of All Saints Episcopal Mission of Arnold. Gary Street of Callaway, served as acolyte and Mrs. Mynor Smith was organist.

Rex Chapter No. 137 O.E.S. and Cable Lodge No. 225 A.F. & A.M. attended services in a body and Cable Lodge was in charge of Masonic services at the cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers were: R. V. Wall, B. C. Wehrman, Oliver Forrester, Joe Coufal, Frank Koubek, Fay Finch and Lee Mihane.

Pallbearers were: Joe E. Dunn, Ralph Stupplebeen, Don Kellenbarger, Floyd Lucas, Robert Spargo and Arthur Adams.

Interment was in the Arnold Cemetery.

Leonard M. Steburg, son of Gustave E. and Kate Meek Steburg, was born at Sumner, NE., on November 16, 1891. He passed to eternal rest on March 19, 1958 at the Memorial Hospital in North Platte at the age of 66 years, four months and 3 days.

Leonard was a graduate of Miller Nebraska High School, the Kearney State Teachers College and Williams College of Mortuary Science of Kansas City, Missouri.

He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Lester on April 14, 1914. 2 children, a son, Leonard Maurice and a daughter, Margaret Eileen, were born to this union.

In 1914, Leonard came to Arnold where he was employed for 2 years as a clerk in the Rose Hardware company. In 1916, an incorporation, The Rose Hardware, Furniture and Undertaking Company was formed, with Leonard as the junior member of the firm. The corporation was dissolved in 1943 at which time he and Mrs. Steburg established the Steburg Funeral Home, which they operated until its sale to Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Quig in November, 1945.

With the exception of 1 year in Long Beach, CA., 1 year at Sidney, NE., and 3 years at Auburn, NE., Leonard has been in business in Arnold since 1914. In April, 1952, Mr. and Mrs. Steburg established the Steburg Business Service in Arnold.

He was a member of the Episcopal Church, Cable Lodge No. 225 A.F. & A. M. Rex Chapter No. 137 O.E.S., Arnold and Knights Templar. He was a charter member of the Arnold Rotary Club, having served as the second president of that organization. He served 4 years on the Village Board of Arnold. He served many years on the Arnold Cemetery Board and was a member of the organization at the time of his passing.

He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, 1 son, Leonard Maruice; 1 daughter, Margaret Eileen (Mrs. Thord Powers); and 3 granddaughters, Cheryl and Michelle Steburg and Ann Powers. His parents and only sister preceded him in death.

Out of town friends attending the funeral were:
The Rev. Ray W. Schaumburg
Mr. and Mrs. Merle Runyan
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Thurman of Broken Bow
Mr. and Mrs. Simon Burgan
Mrs. Elizabeth Ward of Ogallala
Mrs. Lattie LaRue
Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Johnson
Mrs. Bertha Beckwith
Mrs. Zella Wilson
Jacob Schaffer of North Platte
Mrs. Lewis Nansel
Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Benger
Mr. and Mrs. Claris Street and son
Mr. Charles Majors
Mr. William Wilcher
Ms. Valaire Robinson of Callaway
Mrs. J. H. Priess
Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Robison
Mr. and Mrs. Karl Glaze of Cozad
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ditson
Mr. Clarence Martin of Maxwell
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wells of Stapleton
Loren White of Merna
Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe Norsworthy of Gothenburg
Louis Rose of Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Mr. Wm. J. Rose of Seattle, WA.

Out of town relatives attending were:
Mr. and Mrs. L. M. Steburg, Jr. and daughter of Denver, CO.
Mrs. T. L. Power of College Park, Maryland
W. R. Stewart of York, NE.
Mr. and Mrs. Lester Richardson of Kearney
Mr. and Mrs. Austin Miles of Thedford


FRANCIS E. LESTER LOCKHART, 10/16/1898 to 6/6/1961

Funeral services for Mrs. Garland R. Lockhart, were held in the Chapel of the Caldwell-Linder Funeral Home at Plattsmouth, NE., on Friday, June 10, at 2:00pm.

The Rev. Gene Swim, pastor of the First Baptist Church, officiated at the final rites. Music was by Mrs. Twyla Hodge.

Pallbearers were: John Beckman, Glen Diggs, John Janacek, Frank Konforst, Walter Long and Ed Porter. Interment was in the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Frances E. (Lester) Lockhart, was born October 16, 1898 at Kingston, MO. She was a daughter of William Wallace and Mary Etta Lester. She passed to her eternal rest at St. Mary's Hospital, Nebraska City on June 6, 1961.

She was united in marriage to Garland R. Lockhart at Nevada, Missouri on June 5, 1918. This union was blessed with 3 sons, Wilfred L. of Lincoln; Charles Wayne and William L. of Plattsmouth.

Besides her husband and sons, Mrs. Lockhart is survived by 7 grandchildren, 2 daughters in law: Mrs. Charles Wayne Lockhart and Mrs. William L. Lockhart, all of Portsmouth; 2 sisters, Mrs. A. R. Robison of San Diego, CA., and Mrs. L. M. Steburg of Arnold, NE., 2 brothers, Mayne Lester of Recluse, WY., and Joe E. Lester of Escondido, CA., and many other relatives and a legion of friends.


BENNINGTON MAYNE LESTER, 4/1/1901 to 11/13/1984

BUFFALO: Services for Bennington Mayne Lester, 83, who died at his home in Buffalo, November 13, 1984 will be held at 10:00am, Monday, November 19, 1984 at the Adams Funeral Home Chapel.

Rev. Bill Satter will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Gillette with graveside services at 2:00pm November 19, 1984.

Born April 1, 1901 at Vernon County, MO., he was the son of William and Henrietta Lester. He was reared and educated in Missouri. After his father's death in 1914, the family moved to Arnold, NE., and in 1918, they relocated to Wyoming where he and his mother filed on adjoining homesteads north of Recluse. For the next 5 years, he also worked for various area ranchers.

In 1929, he married Verna Shaw and they continued living on the homestead except from 1936 to 1938 when they moved to Arnold where he worked as a grocery store clerk. They returned to the homestead in 1938 where he farmed and ranched. His wife died April 1966.

On July 21, 1970, he married the former Theta Odegard and they continued living on the homestead until 1979 when they moved to Buffalo.

Mr. Lester was a member of the Farmer's Union, Farm Bureau, Wyoming Historical Society, Gillette Archaeology Society, Sheridan Elks Lodgte, and was very active in 4-H activities.

Survivors include his widow of Buffalo; 2 stepsons, Col. Donald Odegard, Alexandria, VA., Dwayne Odegard, Arvada, WY., 1 stepdaughter, Beverly Landrey, Arvada, WY., 1 brother, Joe Lester, Marysville, WA., 13 stepgrandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his first wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, 3 sisters, and 1 stepdaughter.

Memorials given to Wyoming Crippled Children's Camp or Rockpile Museum in Gillette will be equally appreciated. They may be sent to the Adams Funeral Home, 351 North Adams, Buffalo, WY., 82834.

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