Margaret Lester

Margaret Jean Lester 1928-2011 Margaret Lester, 83, of Grove, OK passed away on Thursday March 17th, 2011. She was born on the family homestead in Grant County, OK, on Jan. 30, 1928 to Louis and Gladys Bryson Melka. She attended a country school near the homeplace and graduated from Medford High School. Margaret was a graduate from Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, with a degree in Home Economics. While in college she married Michael Doughty, who died a few years later. Upon graduating she moved to Caldwell, KS to begin her teaching career at the high school. Also on the staff at USD 360, was football coach, Thomas A. Lester., whom she married on June 6, 1952. She focused on family and Tom's coaching career at Atchison High School where they lived for six years. They moved to Pittsburg, KS, in 1961 where Tom was hired as a Football Coach at Kansas State College, Pittsburg. Margaret put her teaching degree to use as a high school home economics instructor at College High of Pittsburg. After the school closed she went to work for the Kansas Power and Light Company, as customer service representative. For 18 years, she worked with many of the company customers, especially the elderly and those who had trouble paying their bills. She even headed up a Men's Gourmet Cooking class called Top Chef for over a decade. Margaret continued her education at Kansas State University, Manhattan, and earned a Master of Science degree in Home Economics in 1971. She achieved success in her career until retiring in 1990. Margaret helped design their beautiful retirement home on Honey Creek, Grand Lake, Grove, OK. She became active in many local organizations and ventures such as: Lendonwood Gardens, Brush and Palette Club, First United Methodist Church of Grove, Thomas Sunday School Class, Small Group, Book Club and P.E.O. Chapter GG. She was an excellent seamstress, an amazing cook, and enjoyed working in the yard. Margaret loved discussing Art, drawing and painting were her passion. A perfect day for her would include gazing at the clouds, watching the birds on the water and sunsets over the lake. She was preceded in death by; her parents, her first husband, sisters, Katherine Melka, and Maxine Krenek, and brother, James Melka. Margaret is survived by her husband of 57-years, Tom; brother, Don Melka, and sister-in-law, Marilyn, of Enid, OK; oldest son, Randall, Big Springs, KS; son Russell, of Kansas City, MO; and one daughter, Sydney Mosburg, son-in-law, Russell Mosburg, ,Overland Park, KS and two grandchildren, Emily of Chicago, IL and Weston, of Overland Park, KS. The memorial service celebrating Margaret's life will be held Tuesday, March 22nd, 1 pm, at the First United Methodist Church, Grove, OK. Rev. Randall Hamill will officiate. A reception will be held immediately following the service in Fellowship Hall. Margaret's care is entrusted to Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home of Grove. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials be sent to the Funeral Home. Requested memorials are: Brush and Palette Club; Lendonwood Gardens; and the First United Methodist Church of Grove Oklahoma.

Service Details

Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011 1:00pm, First United Methodist Church - Grove