Sue was born on December 7, 1940, in Springfield, IL, to Elsie and Robert “Bob” Bell. She married Melvin “Mel” Lester on April 24, 1960, in Springfield, IL.
Sue was a graduate of Pleasant Plains High School, class of 1958. During her high school years, she was actively involved in 4H where she discovered a talent for baking, sewing and embroidery. Sue won numerous awards at various fairs for her baking, even being offered a chance to be featured in an ad campaign for Fleischmanns yeast after winning a baking contest.
After marriage, Sue spent the greater part of the next 25 years living all across the United States, even as far away as Guam. Later in life, she was able to settle down back where she started, in Springfield, IL, where she lived until moving to Texas to be closer to her daughters.
Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Elsie and Robert Bell. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Plohr of Libertyville, IL; daughters, Rebecca “Becky” Bielss of Euless and Cynthia “Cindy” Smith of Irving; four grandchildren; one niece; and two nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, IL, with Pastor Jeff Nelsen presiding. Interment will be at Old Salem Cemetery.
