In Memory Of My Frugal Hero...

Maybelle Hester
May 26, 1926 - August 5, 2007

Her dash (-) touched and inspired all who knew and loved her. God took her to be with Gramps this morning. She went the way she asked to go--in her sleep . She had 5 syblings and attended her last sybling's (Earl) funeral just this past week. They were very close.

Gran lost her own mother at the age of 4 due to complications of asthma (pneumonia set in after getting caught in the rain). This, I believe, had a profound impact on Gram. Why do I say this? Because my father was not her son by blood. She took my father in when he was 3 weeks old and half dead from neglect and mistreatment. She was an unmarried woman at the time and worked as a housekeeper. Although she never legally adopted my father, he was her son in all but blood. I owe my very existance to this woman.

She later took a job at a local pottery to provide for herself and Dad. During that time (and w/o a high school diploma) she went to school and graduated, took her boards and became a Registered Nurse. For years my Gran owned and operated a nursing home. Her residents were well cared for and she was loved and respected for her generous heart.

Gran was human, too. Before Dad came into the picture, she and 2 friends, known as the Golden Girls, loved to party. Gran loved to laugh. I think the only time I ever saw her w/o a smile on her lips was when Grandpa died.

Gran met and wed my Grandpa while she worked at the pottery. He was 20 years her senior and I never saw a couple that loved each other so well. Grandpa was born in 1904 and passed on December 15, 1990. They had two boys and 2 girls. Gran sold the nursing home when Grandpa died.

Grams favorite color was red and she loved broaches. I seldom saw her without an apron or a smock (her at home work uniform). Gram was a frugal diva. She loved to cook and bake. What I remember most about Gram....She left a huge Santa up year round. This was a reminder to always keep Christmas in her heart through out the year. I asked.. :o) also, it wasn't Thanksgiving unless you ate at least one Cranberry!

At the age of 81 she still cooked and cleaned in her own home. My Aunt lived with her the last couple of years but not because Gram needed her too. But because she liked the company.
Gram is survived by 3 sons, 1 daughter, 6 grandchildren, 18 Great and 1 Great Great Grandchild.

I was priveledged to know and love my Gram for 40 yrs. and her greatest gift to me was to remember to live life in your own style and never take love for granted!

I feel better for having written this. She lived thru A LOT of history and loved to talk about her life as a girl and the differences of then and now. She was an amazing woman and I only wish I had known her better than I did.

I love you, Gram!
Lorrie