Doris Elizabeth Kester, age 95, passed away January 13, 2022 at home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.  She was born April 19, 1926 in Wisner, Nebraska, the daughter of Walter and Clara Brookings.  She moved from Montana with her family to Sedro-Woolley at the age of 11.  In 1956, she married Walter Kester; they made their home in Sedro-Woolley.  In 1955, she started working at Northern State Hospital and was trained as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working there until the closure of the hospital in 1973.  She continued working in that capacity in the community starting a group home for former patients of the hospital.  She continued this work for 18 years, retiring in 1991.  She was a member of the Free Methodist Church since 1956.  She loved the beauty of the trees and flowers as God's creation and landscaped the grounds at the FMC.  She felt this is God's place of worship and she wanted it to look beautiful.  "He has given me strength for today and hope for tomorrow."

She is survived by the children, Sandra (Jerry) Everson Walker, Ken (Kathy) Everson and Phillip (Allie) Kester; Walter Allen (Alana) Kester, Jr. and Karen Anderson; 13 grandchildren, Jeannie Walker, Annette Williams, Klara and Kenny Everson, Timothy and Daniel Kester, David, Nancy, Beth and Jason Kester, Shannon Anderson, Kevin Anderson and Haylie Taylor; many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter; brothers, Charles Brookings, Gene (Marguerite) Brookings, George Brookings and Bill (Mickey) Brookings; sisters, Laura Schultz, Myrtle (Hugh) Greenough and Louella (Wes) Holms.

"If I could leave anything of lasting value to my immediate and extended family and friends, I would wish them to inherit my faith and love of God and Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son who died for all mankind."

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at Lemley Chapel, Pastor Jim Cannon presiding.  She will be laid to rest beside her husband Walter at Union Cemetery, Sedro-Woolley.  Share your memories of Doris and sign the online guest register.