Edith Jeannine Lester

Edith Lester, known as Jeannine to family and friends, passed away December 16, 2020. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold Lester, and her parents Verne and Ruby Barnett. She is survived by her sister Beverly Erck of New Braunfels, TX and brother Donald Barnett of Littleton, CO.

Jeannine is also survived by her children Vicky Endres (David), Randy Lester-Wilson (Ryan), Paul Lester (Kathy Blum), Leigh Ann Alexander (Jeff), and Howard Lester (Martha). Grieving family includes grandchildren Jeremy Endres (JoJo), Jarred Endres (Chris), Sean Lester-Wilson, Erin Coffey (Brent), Bryan Lester, Kadin Tallon, Rosa Plasencia (Colin Lessig), Ana Plasencia (Sam Rueda), Corey Lester (Mayra) and two great grandchildren Theo Lessig and Eliza Coffey. Additionally, Jeannine has a number of nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews, throughout the United States. The family’s loss is shared by friends in Japan and Germany.

Jeannine was born May 1, 1935 in Deadwood, South Dakota. Her family lived in Deadwood and Custer, eventually moved to Rapid City. It was there that she met the love of her life Harold Lester. The couple was married for sixty-six years. The family moved frequently during Harold’s career in the Air Force. This included Colorado, South Dakota, Texas, Guam, New York, and finally California. Fond memories of happy times in the Black Hills of South Dakota brought her much happiness.

Jeannine graduated from Riverside City College. She was an accomplished realtor having worked at several locations including Hallmark West Realty and Realty Executives.

Jeannine was an active member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Moreno Valley. She regularly prepared delectable snacks, and meals as needed, for church members. Jeannine also served on the altar guild and played an important role in the church’s “Prayer Chain” for a number of years.

Jeannine liked bright colors and accessorizing her outfits with ‘just the right amount’ of bling. Listening to music was a favorite activity. Singing along with Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, and Barbara Streisand, were a few of her faves. Jeannine also took great pleasure in ‘conducting’ invisible orchestras. The accomplishment Jeannine took the most pride and joy in was that of her large family. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking, get-togethers (birthdays, Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas), playing cards, knitting, and doing what she could to bring happiness to others. Jeannine was a gracious and hospitable hostess. She embodied love in a way few are able to experience firsthand. Many are grateful to have been on the receiving end of such unconditional love. Jeannine was a “Class Act” and will be sorely missed by her siblings, family, friends, and church members.

The Lester family extends wholehearted appreciation to the administration and staff of Renaissance Village – Rancho Belago, in Moreno Valley, for the care Jeannine received in the Memory Care Unit. Their dedication to the residents is impressive. The family would also like to thank the entire team at Ascend Hospice for the support and comfort they provided to Jeannine and to the family.

In lieu of flowers, her family suggests making donations to memorial funds in Jeannine’s name. These include: Ascend Hospice, 650 E. Hospitality Lane, Ste. 460, San Bernardino, CA 92408 and Alzheimer’s Association, 74020 Alessandro Drive, Ste. A, Palm Desert, CA 92260. Please write “Jeannine Lester” on the check or money order’s memo line. Thank you!

Services will be private, and Jeannine will be buried at Riverside National Cemetery with her husband Harold. A celebration of Jeannine’s life will follow at a later date.