Eddith A. Hester

She was educated in the Oklahoma City Public Schools, graduating from Classen High School in 1955. She attended the University of Oklahoma for one year, finishing her undergraduate degree at Oklahoma City University. She furthered her education with a Master’s Degree from University of Central Oklahoma graduating cum laude (while being a devoted wife and mother).

Eddith married the love of her life, Ralph Hester, Jr, in 1955. They enjoyed 65 precious, adventurous and loving years together. They were blessed with two children, Dr. Ralph Hester III and Christy Hester Grigsby. She was “Mema” to four granddaughters who she adored and who adored her, Samantha Grigsby, Megan Grigsby, Zoe Hester & Sydney Hester.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, John Lee Smith; sister-in-law, Mary Smith; and parents-in-law, Bernard & Ithama Hester. She is survived by the previously mentioned loved ones, as well as two precious nephews, Mark Lee Smith and Stephen Gray Smith and their families, and numerous cherished friends.

She was a 50+ year member of Central Presbyterian Church where she was involved over the years as an elder, Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, women’s circle member, usher and more.

She loved to volunteer and devoted many hours to the CARE Center, Mobile Meals, YWCA, a suicide prevention hotline and others.

She was a social butterfly and was a member of Monday Study Club, PEO, Hefner Women’s Nine Hole Golf Group, Sportsman’s Club, YMCA, several bridge clubs, several supper clubs and her “left hand lunch bunch”, just to name a few.

Eddith and Ralph loved to travel. Early family vacations included Hawaii, Mexico and countless ski trips. Empty nest adventures included golfing in Scotland, biking along the Danube while touring Germany and Switzerland, biking in New England and on the Nachez Trace, hiking in Ireland, hiking across England on the Wonderland trail around Mt. Ranier and in, across and out of the Grand Canyon. Once granddaughters came along vacations became focused on making amazing memories for their granddaughters with large family trips as well as incredibly special individual trips with each granddaughter.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude’s Children's Hospital or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) or any other children’s or animal charity you hold close to your heart.

Per her preference, a private family service was held at Memorial Park.

Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day; unseen, unheard, but always near.