Mildred Lillian (Lane) Jester, 94, of Springport, died of natural causes on February 25, 2015. A lifelong resident of Henry County, Mildred was born on January 23, 1921, the daughter of Ralph and Lula (Rutledge) Lane.
Mildred graduated from Ball State University's first elementary education program and later went on to earn her Master's degree in education. In 1946, she wed John E. Jester, and they were happily married for 53 years. For over 40 years, Mildred taught first and second grades in the Blountsville, Mt. Summit and Blue River Valley Schools, and at Cowan Elementary School. She was remarkable for her ability to remember her former students, even if she had not seen them in 50 years. Mrs. Jester was a lifelong member of the Springport Christian Church. She was a Past Matron of the Sulphur Springs Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star; she also served as Grand Representative to the state of Pennsylvania and was awarded the Grand Cross of Color. Mildred was an artist, who loved nature, bird watching, sunsets and sunrises, the Indiana Pacers and the Colts, her community, and her farm just outside Springport.
In addition to her students, Mildred cherished her family, her friends, and her neighbors, and appreciated all those she met. Mildred L. Jester is survived by her daughters, Mrs. Sandra (William) Whitten of Holmdel, NJ and Mrs. Julianna Stotz of Springfield, VA; six grandchildren, Jennifer Whitten (Kevin Richter), Mrs. Amanda (Jeff) James, Emily Whitten, Mrs. Kathleen (Vivek) Chakrabortty, Mrs. Michelle (Sergio) Alcoser, and Joseph Stotz; eight great-grandchildren; her sister, Carrie M. Shores; and her niece, Cheryl Hammond and son, Marion, as well as other nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Springport Christian Church. Burial will follow at Springport Woodlawn Cemetery. Friends may call from 6-8 P.M. Friday, February 27, 2015 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Contributions in her memory can be made to the Springport Christian Church, 503 W. Main St., Springport, IN 47386. Condolences and memories of Mildred may be shared at
www.hinsey-brown.com
.