Hester Ardene Godwin Obituary (1921

Hester Ardene Godwin passed away November 29, 2013 at Cottage in the Meadow. Hester was born on April 10, 1921 in Freewater, OR. She was raised on the Umatilla River in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. Hester was the only daughter of five children born to Amiel and Edith Abel. She enjoyed riding horses with her brothers. Hester was all 'Tomboy' and always a 'Lady.' She was instilled with love and loyalty to her family and a deep connection with nature. One of the greatest times of her life was her 45th anniversary to the love of her life Jack Godwin. She enjoyed spending time with her five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Hester was a woman of quiet deep faith, zany sense of humor, and a determination to live life full of quests and adventures. She loved being in the hills in her little Toyota camper, unfazed to follow any old logging road to some remote spot for a night or three. She had several exciting river rafting and dory trips later in life. The only thing that finally stopped her was her 80+ year old body conflicting with sleeping on the rocky ground. Along with her love of the arts and literature, she wrote creative poetry and painted with watercolors. She enjoyed playing board and card games. Her greatest accomplishment was being a loving wife and mother. She loved people and her caring and playful relationships she had with her friends. Hester had a vast impact on not only her family but also her wide circle of friends. Her positive attitude will be deeply missed. Hester is survived by her children: Terri (Dick) Howden of Sun City West, AZ, Steve (Carleen) Godwin of Port Angeles, WA, Ted (Julie) Godwin of Yakima, WA, Jane (Jim) Colvig of Sun City West, AZ, She had five grandchildren David, Brett, Chelsea, Trevor, and Jacy and four great grandchildren Noah, Aubree, Cougar, and Lux. She was preceded in death by her husband Jack and grandson Trevor. Our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful caring staff at Englewood Heights and Cottage in the Meadow and her numerous friends. Memorials may be made to Cottage in the Meadow or the Yakima Chapter of the National Audubon Society At her request there will be no services held. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.