Hester Ann Beatty Moore passed away at Four Seasons Health Care on March 5, 2021 at the age of 97. She will be fondly remembered by family and friends for her larger-than-life wit and humor, generosity, compassion, intelligence and love.
Hester Ann was born in Hope, Indiana on August 21, 1923 and raised in Columbus, Indiana. She grew up during the depression, survived a near death childhood illness and went on to graduate from Columbus High School. She worked for Cummins Engine Company, following graduation, as a price control clerk until the Fall of 1944, when she enlisted in the WAVES to assist the continuing World War II efforts. This was the first time she traveled away from Columbus. She was sworn in as an Apprentice Seaman in the US Naval Reserve and was stationed in Washington, D.C., where she went on to attain a rating of Storekeeper Second Class. Over the years, several local children, including her grandchildren, interviewed her about her time and experiences in the WAVES for school projects.
Following her time in the service, she married her husband of 61 years, Keith Moore, on April 17, 1949. She continued her career at Union Starch & Refining Company and Irwin Union Bank. Her memberships and volunteer work included the Columbus Chapter of Delta Theta Tau, American Red Cross, Fidelis Club, Let’s Grow Garden Club and Hospital Auxiliary. She was a long-time supporter of the Bartholomew County Humane Society, and her husband honored Hester Ann’s love for dogs by donating the Hester Ann Moore Dog Visitation Room at the Humane Society. Hester Ann was an avid reader and regularly could be found leaving the Bartholomew County Public Library with a large bag of books. Due in part to her love of literature, The Keith and Hester Ann Moore Library was dedicated to the Indiana University School of Medicine-Evansville by her son, Dr. Jeffrey Moore, and wife, Susan. Besides reading, she enjoyed gardening, knitting, ceramics and bird watching and passed on her passion for these hobbies to other family members. She also was a charter member of North Christian Church and a 34-year survivor of breast cancer.
Hester Ann was nicknamed Hanny by her father. The name stuck throughout her life and was used by her siblings, grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition, a family boat is named “The Hanny” and a great granddaughter is also nicknamed Hannie.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Keith Moore, parents, Homer Beatty and Vivian Poland, and brother, Jack Beatty. She is survived by her children Dr. Jeffrey Moore (Susan) of Evansville and Jennifer Manning (David) of Columbus; grandchildren Dr. Daniel Moore (Jaci), Ashley Manning, Dr. David Moore (Sarah), Kristin Moore, Sarah Moore and Michael Manning; and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving is her sister Mary Lou Henderson (Gene) of Indianapolis.
The family wants to thank the numerous caretakers at Four Seasons who over the years were so kind to Hester Ann. She developed many friendships with the staff whom she talked fondly of and treasured. The past year has been difficult for everyone due to Covid, and the Four Seasons staff worked extremely hard under very trying conditions to keep residents, staff and family members as safe as possible.
A private burial will take place at Garland Brook Mausoleum in Columbus. A public ceremony is being planned for May 15. Memorial donations may be made in Hester Ann’s name to the Bartholomew County Humane Society at 4110E 200S, Columbus, IN 47201.
Arrangements are being handled by Hathaway-Myers Chapel on Pearl Street.
