Julia R. Lester

May 19, 1920 - November 2, 2015

Mrs. Julia “Judy” R. Lester, 95, of Seymour, Indiana, passed away November 2, 2015, at The Covered Bridge Healthcare Facility.

Judy was born May 19, 1920, in North Vernon, Indiana, the daughter of Adolph G. and Anna M. (Grunert) Gottwalles.

On October 15, 1961, she married E. Morton Lester who preceded her in death.

Judy was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Seymour. She graduated from North Vernon High School in 1938 and attended Indiana Business School in Indianapolis, and Franklin College. She was a credit manager for Sears, Roebuck & Company in Seymour from 1949-1965; also a traveling auditor and troubleshooter for Sears during this period. Judy was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Seymour Elks Club, Columbia Club, Jackson County Unit of Indianapolis Symphony, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, of which she was state president in 1959-1960, international president in 1974-1975, and chairman of the board for the ESA Foundation from 1976 to 1979. She was a former director of the Seymour Girls Club, former member of the League of Women Voters, former president of Credit Women’s Association of Seymour, and founding member of Voyager 1000 which was a private flying club. Judy had also been a member of the Schneck Medical Center Health Builders and Jackson County Community Foundation Board. Judy was a member of the Board of Directors and Governors for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and was active in fund raising for the hospital. Judy was an avid sports fan and loved flowers and gardening.

She is survived by her son, John (Gayle) Lester; grandson, Jon David Lester; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Joseph A. Gottwalles, William E. Gottwalles, Francis C. Gottwalles; and grandson, Jason Scott Lester.

Funeral mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. with Father Dan Staublin officiating.

Entombment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Seymour.

Friends and family may call at Voss Chapel on Friday, November 6, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of mass. There will be a Rosary Service at 3:45 p.m. on Friday.

Memorial checks may be written to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Schneck Medical Foundation, Jackson County Community Education, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital by check or at http://giftfunds.stjude.org/inmemoryofjudylester

Mrs. Julia “Judy” R. Lester, 95, of Seymour, Indiana, passed away November 2, 2015, at The Covered Bridge Healthcare Facility. Judy was born May 19, 1920, in North Vernon, Indiana, the daughter of Adolph G. and Anna M. (Grunert) Gottwalles. On October 15, 1961, she married E. Morton Lester who preceded her in death. JudyContinue Reading

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Judy was one of the most gracious ladies that I had ever met. She was an inspiration to many. Her bringing Danny Thomas to Epsilon Sigma Alpha was one of the greatest things that she did. It still lives on and will continue forever. That gift has helped many children and will continue to help fulfill Danny's dream that no child should die in the dawn of life. She will be greatly missed by many. RIP our dear Judy.

Judy was an inspiration to all of her ESA sisters, both in the state of Indiana and Internationally. She was a pioneer in fundraising for St. Jude Children's Hospital. She took everything she did to the next level. Judy, you will be missed by many. As our ESA hearts are broken, you will lift-up others with your legacy. Peggy Zimmer, Past ESA Indiana President and ESA member of Delta Zeta, #3618 Terre Haute, Indiana

Judy weas a great lady and ESA sister. I'll never forget when she introduced Danny Thomas to us at our International Convention in Minneapolis/St Paul many years ago. We began a journey that we still continue in tghe fight against childhood catastrophic diseases. She will be missed by many of us.

Rest in peace, Judy. Your work here is done. You've helped shape what ESA is today and for that, we are grateful. You have left a significant footprint in many of the organizations that you were a part of and you will continue to inspire us through the year. Thank you Judy. God bless your family and friends.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.