Ann Murrin Hester

Ann Murrin (Johnson) Hester, 77, passed away at Niobrara Health and Life Center in Lusk on December 17, 2015.

Rosary will be recited at St. Leo's Catholic Church in Lusk at 4:00 P.M. Mon., Dec. 21, 2015. Mass of Christian Burial will be at St. Leo's at 10:00 A.M. Tue., Dec. 22, followed by graveside services and interment at Wheatland Cemetery, Wheatland, WY, at 2:00 P.M.

Ann was born on July 18, 1938 in San Diego, CA, the daughter of Ralph and Aileen (Nelson) Johnson. She was raised and educated in San Diego, attending Catholic Grammar School and graduating from Hoover High School in 1957. She attended the University of Wyoming, graduating with a degree in Education.

On December 27, 1960, she married Newton F. Hester Jr. in San Diego, CA and moved to the family ranch and farm near Keeline, WY, where she resided until the death of her husband in 2010.

Ann taught school in Lusk, WY, and was a substitute teacher at the Keeline country school. She often rode the school bus to get to work. In 1971 she left teaching so she could raise her family.

While raising her family she enjoyed time with family and friends at Glendo Lake when time allowed, and was an avid water skier. She enjoyed entertaining in her home, hosting bridge club, reading, taking long walks, traveling, and attending her children's and grandchildren's events.

Ann spent many hours cooking and taking meals for the work crews to the branding corrals and to the wheat fields during harvest. She also played the piano and many years ago donated her mother's piano to the Niobrara Senior Center.

She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, Niobrara County Cattlewomen, University of Wyoming Alumni Association, Keeline 5280 Homemakers Club, and was a member and past president of PEO Chapter I. Ann was devoted to her Catholic faith and was a member of St. Leo's Catholic Church.

Survivors include two sons: John (Sheri) of Keeline, WY; and Wade (Rachelle) of Ogden, UT; nine grandchildren: Hayden and Drew Hester of Keeline; Raeganne, Tayler, Presley, and Berkley Hester of Ogden; Zachary (Laura) Milke of Durango, CO; Joe (Kelli) Milke of Greeley, CO; and Sarah (Rory) Scott of Greeley, CO; one great-grandchild, Aria Milke; sister-in-law Irma (John) Baker of Chugwater, WY; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Newton, her daughter Kathryn Ann Hester Street, and her sister Norma Mae Lonergan.

Memorials to St. Leo's Catholic Church, Niobrara Health and Life Center, or the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

Pier Funeral Home is assisting the family.

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