Donna Roberta Kester

Donna Roberta Kester was born on August 5, 1943 in Lamar Colorado to John and Katherine Schaffner. She went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 18, 2012. She grew up in Campo Colorado helping her family operate the Campo Cash Store. In 1949 a fire destroyed the store and the family home, but within a short time both were rebuilt and the family continued to reside in Campo. Donna attended Campo School, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Donald Kester. They were married on April 27, 1960 in Ukiah California. Donald and Donna lived in Dalhart Texas a short time before returning to Campo to make their home and start their family. To this union, three children were born. Denise was born on June 26, 1961, followed by their second daughter, Dixie born on February 18, 1963 and with the birth of their son, Dallas on December 20, 1968 their family was complete. Donna, from the very beginning of their marriage was a big help to Donald and to Donald’s parents, Cline and Lucy Kester. She worked many long hours cooking during broom corn harvest for all the broom corn hands. When the broom corn industry ended, Donald and Donna continued to custom harvest with Don’s parents. They traveled from Texas to North Dakota harvesting wheat, milo and corn. In 1972, Donna decided to further her education and she attended Cosmetology College in Borger, Texas and Lamar Colorado. After graduation she opened her own business in Campo, Donna’s Beauty Shop. She later returned to school to get her instructor’s license in Cosmetology. She continued to work in her shop until they moved to Reno, Nevada in 1988. While in Reno, she worked for Northern Nevada Beauty Academy and later took a new job at International Academy of Style, where she worked until they moved back to Springfield Colorado in 2008. Two years after moving to Springfield, the couple celebrated 50 years of marriage. It was a beautiful day with all their children and grandchildren in attendance, along with her brother and sister and many cherished friends. Donna accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was a long time member of the Campo Baptist Church. She served her Lord by teaching Sunday School Classes and playing the piano for worship services throughout the years. After returning to Springfield she attended Springfield Baptist Chapel where she made many wonderful friends. Donna’s life revolved around her Lord, husband, children and grandchildren. She never missed a ballgame, music concert, graduation, wedding, birth or anything her family was involved with. When her grandson, Matthew was born she lived in Reno, flew to Colorado, was there for his birth and flew back to Reno in time for granddaughter Tarin’s birth. Nine days separated the two grandchildren. She was and extraordinary mother and to her family she was one of the greatest gifts God ever gave. Donna spent her married life by Donald’s side. When Donald entered the nursing home a few months ago, she continued to sit by his side, encouraging him and helping in any way she could. Their love was evident, it was everlasting and Donald was her best friend. Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Katherine Schaffner and her father John Schaffner. She is survived by her husband, Donald Kester of Springfield, Children Denise (Dave) Robins of Springfield, Dixie (Chris) Long of Sparks Nevada, and Dallas Kester of Sparks Nevada, also by sister Zoretta (Joe) Ownbey of Springfield, and brother, Leroy (LuAnn) Schaffner of Dalhart, Texas, thirteen grandchildren one great grandbaby on the way and many nieces, nephews and cousins. For the children, there are no regrets when it comes to their mom. She knew how much they loved her and they knew how much she loved them. She is in heaven now, rejoicing and waiting for the time we will all be together again. We love you Donna!