Gwendolyn Hester

HESTER, GWENDOLYN HARDINGAge 60, a longtime resident of Rio Rancho, NM, whose beauty and spirit will be greatly missed, passed away on Tuesday, September 25, 2012. She is survived by her parents, Leonard and Dorothy Harding, of Rio Rancho, NM; husband of 40 years, Douglas V. Hester, of Rio Rancho, NM; two sons, Zachary Hester and wife, Lori, of Rio Rancho, NM, and Nicholas Hester and wife, Ana Maria, of Rio Rancho, NM; grandchild, Violet Mikayla Hester; and what Gwen lovingly referred to as her bonus grandchildren, Tanner and Tyler Rodriquez, of Rio Rancho, NM. Gwen was raised by her parents, Dottie and Lenny, in the Algiers area of New Orleans, LA, where she grew up around many family members. She married Doug after he returned from the Marine Corps, and the two eventually moved to New Mexico to start their new adventure. Doug and Gwen celebrated 40 years of that personal adventure, August 12th of this year with a trip to Hawaii, which was a favorite place of hers. During those years, Gwen's parents moved to Rio Rancho to be near their only child, and Gwen was able to dance at the weddings of both of her sons. When Violet came along, Gwen was a doting grandmother. For all those that knew her, Gwen was the person that made everyone around her laugh. Her playfulness and humor brought joy to family and friends. She will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Friday, September 28, 2012, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., at French - Westside Chapel. The Rosary will be recited by Deacon Frank Smith, of St. Thomas Aquinas at 7:00 p.m. Services will be held Saturday, September 29, 2012, 10:30 a.m., at French - Westside Chapel, with the Rev. Kay Huggins officiating. Interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Zachary Hester, Nicholas Hester, Daniel Hester, Pierre Carrier, Jim Wagner and John Tatum. Please visit our online guest book at Gwendolyn Harding Hester at RememberTheirStory.com.FRENCH9300 Golf Course Rd NW505-897-0300