Agnes Hester

Agnes V. Hester, age 100, of Battle Creek, passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 at her home. She was born April 16, 1913 in Douglas, Arizona the daughter of Jepson Dudley and Mary Esther (Navarro) Grimes. Agnes raised her children during the great depression in Texas and moved to Michigan during WWII where she worked for the Kellogg Company for 53 years as the food service and cafeteria manager. Over the years she developed a friendship with W.K. Kellogg and often served as his personal caterer. Up until the time of her death she was the oldest living Kellogg retiree. Agnes lovingly cared for her mother, mother-in-law, sisters, brother and son in their homes until their death, as well as raising her granddaughter. She enjoyed gardening, ice and cane pole fishing, bowling, cribbage, dancing, and ceramics; activities she would share with her longtime companion, John “Smitty” Smith. She was an active member of the Moose, Elks and Eastern Star. She especially enjoyed entertaining and cooking for family and friends. She was undoubtedly happiest when her home was filled with her family and dear friends. Agnes was preceded in death by her siblings: Armeda Lucy Wallace, Ester Lorraine Johnson, Martha Marie Collins and Jepsey Dudley Grimes; her children: James Hester III, Robert Hester and John Hester, and granddaughter Jujohnna Hester. Surviving is her daughter: JayAnn Keyes; six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and her dear friend, Eva Miller. Agnes adored her caregiver, Amanda who lovingly cared for her in her home until her death. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home with interment to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be given to the Kellogg 25 Year Club. Agnes was generous, nurturing, gregarious, optimistic and above all happy. It was a gift to know her. Her absence will be felt always by those touched by her decency and kindness.  www.henryfuneralhome.org

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