Mary L. Hesterman

Mary L. Hesterman, 92, passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at Parkview Randalia Supportive Care in Fort Wayne, IN. Mary was born in Ridgeville Corners, OH to Cleo R. and Maletta (Schlueter) Ruffer, the youngest of five.

Mary graduated from Ridgeville Corners High School in 1946 as Salutatorian. Mary was a four year letterman as captain of the band and excelled in three sports. She married her life-long sweetheart, Norman Hesterman, in Ridgeville on Sept. 16, 1950. She graduated from Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing, where Norm and Mary made their home in Fort Wayne for over 38 years. As an RN, Mary worked for doctors in Fort Wayne, most notably Dr. Robert Taylor, renowned physician in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Norm and Mary moved to Largo, FL in 1979. After moving to Florida, Mary was the head nurse for well-known St. Pete/Clearwater Cardiologist Doctor M.L. Naryan. They returned to Fort Wayne in 2008, where Mary volunteered at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and Worship for Shut-Ins. Norm and Mary were faithful members of Peace Lutheran Church where all of their children attended school, church and Sunday School. Upon their return to Fort Wayne, they were members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Mary was a loving, caring, devoted mother and house wife. First and foremost, she loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

She is survived by four children Mark (Debbie Angeloff), Kent (Cindy Wilson), Karen (Scott) Austin, and Eric (Cindy Gunkler); 7 grandchildren, Luke (Courtney), Andrew (Samantha), Neil (Jillian), Karla (Justin) St. Myers, Samantha (Aaron) Barnholt, Hannah (Alex) Hernandez, and Ashley: and 11 great grandchildren. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Norm in 2017; her parents; infant daughter, Anne; and four siblings, Lucille Murphy, Lois Travis, Lillian Walter and Donnell Ruffer.

Funeral service at 3pm Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church (3425 Crescent Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805), with calling one hour prior to the service with Rev. Dr. Thomas Ahlersmeyer officiating. Due to the current pandemic concerns, strict covid guidelines, including masks and social distancing, will be followed at the church. Burial in Concordia Cemetery Gardens.

Memorial donations in Mary's honor may be made to Holy Cross Lutheran Church or Worship Anew, 5 Martin Luther Drive, Fort Wayne IN 46825. To join the service virtually, please visit the funeral home Facebook page at 3pm on Sunday. Arrangements entrusted to Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home.