LESTER, Mary R. (Haynes)

Mary Ruth (Haynes) Lester, went into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ September 29, 2008. Mary was born in Wilson, Oklahoma on October 23, 1920. She graduated from Oklahoma College for Women and Southern State Teachers College. After migrating to California, she worked at Cal Tech during WW II. After the War she worked for the Pasadena Police Department and was a member of the Pasadena First Methodist Church where, in 1950, she met her husband, David William Lester. They were married in 1951 and honeymooned in Yosemite and enjoyed skiing at Badger Pass. Following the births of their children, they continued annual camping vacations. Their first born son, David Douglas Lester, died at the age of four. Their three other children, Jan, Diane and Charles, grew up in Glendora, educated in the Newport-Mesa School District, Orange Coast College, Cal Poly Pomona and UCLA. After her husband's career move to Newport Beach in 1969, Mary worked in the counseling office at Costa Mesa High School. In addition to the family condo on Maui, she enjoyed travel to Europe, Canada and Alaska. Mary is survived by her husband, David, and children, Jan, Diane (Tim) Bjelland, Chuck (Debbie) Lester, and her five grandchildren, Christine, Tracy and Kimberly Bjelland and Amanda and Tyson Lester. Mary was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa, United Methodist Women and Costa Mesa Women's Club. The memorial service will be at the First United Methodist Church at 420 West 19th Street in Costa Mesa on Saturday, October 11. Donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse.