Ella Marie Lester, 86, of Kansas City, MO, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2018 at Liberty Hospital in Liberty, MO. She was born July 27, 1931 in Holton, KS the daughter of Ray Ernest and Anna (Bennett) Simmons.

Ella graduated from Soldier High School in 1950. She had lived in the Kansas City area since 1968. Ella was a homemaker.

Ella married Robert E. Lester on April 15, 1950 in Holton, KS. He preceded her in death on May 21, 2012. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Willis Simmons.

Survivors include 4 children, Dennis Lester (Nancy) of Kansas City, MO, Lois Roe (Roger) of Oceanside, CA, Judy Bashlor (Tom) of Claycomo, MO and Ron Lester of Independence, MO; a sister-in-law, Helen Simmons of Topeka, KS; 5 grandchildren, Jess Bashlor, Celia Chalfant, James Roe, Kim Bashlor and Bryan Bashlor and 2 great-grandchildren, Evan and Chase.

Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Olive Hill Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.

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