Rita Marie Kester

Born May 16, 1940, in Farmersville Station, NY, she was the daughter of the late Perry and Rose Love Henry.

She was a 1957 graduate of Rushford Central School.

At the age of 13 Rita started playing organ and piano at Farmersville Baptist Church and later at Farmersville Center Community Church. Her music ministry continued for 50 years playing for weddings, funerals and choir cantatas.

She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and gatherings at the family cabin.

Surviving is her devoted husband of 61 years Dale Kester, whom she married December 14, 1963; three children Karen (Steven) Johnson, Laura (Thomas) Leone and William (Kimberly) Kester all of Jamestown; eight grandchildren Christina (Carl) Olson, Angela (Kyle Weilacher) Leone, Samantha (Dave Minchener) Bucklin, Heather (Bryan) Maione, Holly (Dan) Kremer, Marleena (Collin) Hanson, Elijah Kester and Calista Kester; eight great grandchildren Carson and Camryn Olson, Martin and Henry Bucklin and Ruby, Evelynn, Parker and Sylvie Maione and her sister and best friend, Judy (Terry) Dailey of Jamestown.

Besides her parents she was preceded in death by a grandson Tommy Leone and a brother Peter Henry.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Monday March 10, 2025, in the Lind Funeral Home where friends will be received for one hour prior to the service.

Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Farmersville Center Community Church, 9038 Route 98, Farmersville, NY 14737.