Hester Jeanette Harrer

Hester Jeanette Harrer, 102, of Jupiter, Florida, formerly of Arthur, IL died on August 19, 2019. Hester was born on February 28, 1917 in Hundred, West Virginia to the late Francis and Elizabeth Cumberledge.

Hester married John M. (Jack) Harrer on June 8, 1937 in Peoria, IL. He preceded her in death on April 13, 1987 just 2 months short of their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

She is survived by her 3 children, John F. Harrer (Carol) of Port St. Lucie, FL, Janet McGrath of Tampa, FL and Richard Harrer (Rebecca) of Arthur, IL; 4 grandchildren, John A. Harrer (Mar), Ron Harrer (Amee), Paul McGrath (Brandy) and Melinda Cook (Hans); 7 great grandchildren, Marissa Harrer, Jack Harrer (Erin), Sophia Harrer, Alexis, Kendal and Belle Cook and Liam McGrath.

In addition to her husband she is predeceased by 3 brothers, William, Homer and Walter Cumberledge and 4 sisters, Thelma Jones, Ruth Wilkop, Evelyn Woods and Virginia Longwell and a son-in-law, William E. McGrath.

Hester was proud of being from West Virginia and returned there when she could. Jack and Hester lived in Peoria before moving to Decatur, IL in 1942; they spent five years there eventually relocating to Arthur in 1947. In 1955, they contracted to build an IGA Grocery store, which they owned and operated until 1962, when they sold the business to their son, John. They wintered in Florida until 1972 when they moved to Jupiter, Florida permanently. While living in Arthur, she was a den mother, Sunday school teacher, active in the Eastern Star, played golf, couples cards club and bowled. Hester and Jack travelled extensively with the IGA group and Masonic Eastern Star group. Hester was active in her churches as a duel member of Vine Street Christian Church in Arthur, IL and Tropical Sands Christian Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. While living in Florida, Hester golfed, played shuffleboard, fished and she was an avid walker, walking in the park and to the Jupiter Inlet, when she could. She lived in Jupiter River Park and loved living there. Even after Jack’s death, she wanted to remain there. She loved the outdoors and working in her garden, growing exotic orchards along with many varieties of plants and was the sunshine lady for Jupiter Park Club House. Hester traveled extensively throughout her life. She went on many cruises, including one that took her around the world. She even climbed the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janiero. Hester always had her luggage packed and ready for any trip, her last being at the age of 95.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM in the funeral home. A Committal Service will follow at Riverside Memorial Park, 19351 SE County Line Road, Tequesta, FL 33469. Memorials in her memory may be given to Vine Street or Tropical Sands Christian Churches or Jupiter River Park Garden Club.