Marilyn Jean Kester, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 18 in Cambridge at 85 years. She was born in McCook on February 10, 1939, to Ralph and Jane (Richey) Beals. The family lived near Stockville until Marilyn was five years old, when they moved to a farm south of Cambridge. She began her education at Sunny Hillside Country School. She attended school in Cambridge beginning in fourth grade. In high school Marilyn played drums in the band, was a cheerleader, and was homecoming queen, graduating in 1957.
On June 2, 1957, Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Edward Leroy Kester, in the United Brethren Church at Orafino. This union lasted over 66 years. Over the next five years they lived where Ed was pursuing his education, first in Manhattan, KS, then McCook, followed by Kearney. When Ed graduated from Kearney State College they moved to their farm north of Cambridge, where they lived for over 20 years. They then moved to Cambridge, where they have lived for about 40 years as they continued to farm and raise cattle. They had four sons: Keith, Ken, Cliff, and Cordy.
In the mid-1960s, Marilyn decided to pursue a teaching degree. She attended McCook Jr. College, and later Kearney State College, where she received her degree in education. Marilyn taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades at Orafino Country School. After it closed she taught 6th grade at Cambridge Elementary for over 20 years. Marilyn was a devoted wife and mother. She stayed very busy working in her garden. She was active for many years with the Cambridge Museum and the Stockville Woman’s Club, and attended Stockville Congregational Church. She, Ed, and Cordy were dedicated fans of Cambridge athletics. In 2023 Marilyn and Ed received Distinguished Alumni Awards from Cambridge Public Schools. Marilyn was beloved by her immediate family, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Jane Beals; brother, Joe Beals; and sister, Kathy Crampton (Kenny).
She is survived by her husband, Ed; sons: Keith, Ken (Meg), Cliff (Karen), and Cordy; grandchildren: Jake Kester, Jed Kester (Jordan), Molly Clinkscales (Jeff), Liz Gallardo (Guillermo); Kelsey Kester (Elaine), Kit Kester (Liz), Anthony Hopkins, Delaine Kester (Kaylee), and Kamie Townsen (Dean); great-grandchildren: Sam Kester, Avery and Kaden Kester, Madisyn and Kobe Kester; Paisyn and Jade Townsend; and sister, Celia Liffrig (Jim).
Visitation at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 2-6PM with the family present to greet friends from 4-6PM.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10AM on Friday morning, March 22, 2024 at the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Cambridge. Burial in the Arbor Cemetery near Stockville will be held at 12:30PM. A meal will follow hosted by the Stockville Woman’s Club.
Memorials in Marilyn's name are suggested to the Cambridge Museum, Cambridge Senior Center, or to the Stockville Woman’s Club. Online condolences may be left at lockenour.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Lockenour-Jones Mortuary of Cambridge.