Maxine Ilene Lester

Maxine I. Lester was born January 13, 1928, in Woodland, WA. She was raised in Amboy WA and was the second oldest of five children. She attended Woodland High School and was Salutatorian for her class. She received a scholarship to Washington State University. She was married in November 1948 to Howard Leon Lester, the love of her life; they were married for 53 years. Together they had three sons. Maxine was a homemaker, farmer, writer, and accountant. She worked hard on the family farm, side by side with her husband and sons.

She had a full and adventurous life, she traveled to Hawaii, Nova Scotia and Europe. She loved cruises. She was a 7th degree national Grange member and a member of the Fargher Lake Grange for over 60 years. She was a member of Charter Oak Church. She also belonged to the View Homemakers, and the Woodland Writing Club. She loved to enter contests in the fair and won many blue ribbons for her crocheting, and embroidery projects. She adored her grandchildren and tried to make them all their own quilts.

Maxine passed away on December 3, 2024, she was preceded by her husband Howard Leon Lester, her parents Della and Eli Kumpula, her brothers Raymond (Bud) Kumpula, Donald Kumpula Sr, and John Kumpula. She was one month short of 97 at the time of her death. She is survived by her sister Barbara Hagedorn, sister-in-law Marjoria Kumpula and sister-in-law Lynelle Kumpula, sons Jim (Brenda) Lester, Tom (LeeAnn) Lester and Paul Lester. She had 6 grandchildren Jake (Jan) Yochim, Eli (Riki) Lester, Stacia (David) Son, Michelle (Elijah) Stoller, Lindsey (Don) Bergeman, Jerad (Nichole) Lester. She had 10 great grandchildren Colby, Emma, Allyson, Kylie, Kayla, Khloe, Howard, Rhetledge, Mason, and Hudson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service is planned at Layne’s Funeral Home in Battle Ground, WA on Dec 13, 2024, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Mt View Cemetery followed by a light lunch at Fargher Lake Grange, 37813 NE Wiehl Rd. La Center, WA 98629. 

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer Association at alz.org